League Match Report – Round 15

Saturday’s 39-point win over fifth-placed Woodville West-Torrens was reward for a lot of hard work put in by our playing group and our Coaching / Support Staff. Walking off the ground at games end, I couldn’t be prouder of our players and the way they applied themselves to the contest and execution of the plan. Even more pleasing was our players ability to play with energy and confidence after a tough 5-weeks of football against some quality opposition. Woodville wasn’t going to be any easier task.

We had a couple of KPIs leading into the game that aligned heavily to our Creed; Team First – Relentless – Courage, that we knew were going to be important in generating a positive result. I thought we displayed each of these values for much of the game; our players played and executed their roles (Team First), our defence was relentless for long periods, and our players stood up in the moments they were challenged – this is courage.

I felt we were slow to start the game; lacked intensity, second to the ball, a little loose defensively, couldn’t get our hands on the footy and Woodville looked sharp. I feel a turning point in the first term was Josh Gore’s crafty goal in traffic followed by an inspiring smother moments later in front of the Brian Faehse Stand. Once we got ourselves into the game, we were able to play more front-half football and impact the scoreboard.

We played the second quarter as we finished the first; good in the contest, tight defensively and composed with ball in hand and were able to kick 4 goals to 1 for the term, a lead of 11 points at the main break.

Our focus for the remainder of the game was to continue hitting our KPI’s knowing there would be a response coming from a classy Woodville outfit. The application from our players to execute the plan was first-class and we were able to get some nice reward on the scoreboard in the second half, kicking seven goals to two.

Against a strong Eagles outfit, seeing our players compete and execute the way we did fills me with great hope and excitement. Our challenge now is to maintain the intensity & effort, to continue pushing one another, to continue raising our standards and executing in game when tested by the opposition.

I liked many of our players games and as mentioned, felt it was a total team effort. But there are two performances I would like to acknowledge as I feel they were ‘break-out’ games for both lads – Michael Laudato and Jye Sinderberry. There are many players we acknowledge internally and understand the importance and impact of their roles on game day, but I just wanted to take this time to acknowledge both ‘Reg’ & ‘Sinders’.

Finally, thank you again for the full house back at our club rooms post-match, we appreciate all your backing as we get great satisfaction seeing our supporters happy post-win.

Best: Kobe Ryan, Michael Laudato, Jye Sinderberry

Goals: H. Ellem (3), I. Johnson, M, Laudato, J. Sinderberry (2), J. Gore, J. Obst, K. Ryan (1)

League Coach – Adam Hartlett