League Match Report – Round 6 v Norwood

The Senior Men’s team ventured over to Port Lincoln for the third road-trip in a row, to take on last year’s Premiers, Norwood FC.

Norwood’s midfield group of Boyd, Rokahr, Nunn & Panos, along with others, pose as one of the best midfield groups in the competition, a huge task for our young and developing midfield group. We identified early in the week that although the wins weren’t yet coming for Norwood, they were still ranked 2^nd in the competition for contested possession and clearances and that we should expect a fierce contest inside and a four-quarter grind against an extremely proud football club who will be keen to get their season on track.

I thought our midfield battled gamely for long periods as each team registered over 100 tackles for the contest. Kobe Ryan was outstanding with 16 tackles and 11 clearances playing a new role for us through the midfield. Joel Stevens returned to form with 28 touches and a goal to go with his 6 tackles, Mick Mattingly & Josh Gore both played their roles well around the football and each had 10 tackles, and I thought Lucas Meline & Isaac Johnson were outstanding for us out on the wings, not only with ball in hand but what they provide for our team structurally and their communication / leadership outside of the contest is invaluable.

We made a clear focus in the second half to take territory and limit our handball game. I felt this gave our forwards a better look 1v1 and gave our backline time to adjust and get set behind the ball. This, combined with some strong contest work through the middle of the third quarter gave us our first lead of the game. From there it was an arm-wrestle, with both sides having periods of momentum that lacked that final bit of polish going inside F50.

I thought it was as total a Team Effort we’ve had for the year to date, with everyone playing their role.

Congratulations to Darcy Minchella on your league debut, the first of many I’m sure. Congratulations must also go out to an outstanding leader of our football club Josh Ryan, for his selection in this year’s State Game v WA.

Once again, thank you to all our incredible supporters for making the trip over the weekend. You were seen, you were heard and we appreciate you. A big thank you also to my assistant coaches and our support staff / volunteers for all your tireless work week-in, week-out.

Finally, all the best to Bruce Dawes and our Senior Women’s team on your final game of the season. Please, if you can, get along and support our girls this Saturday at the Ponderosa.

League Coach – Adam Hartlett