League Match Report – Round 9 v North Adelaide

The challenge for the senior side in our round 9 clash against North Adelaide was to bring the same effort and intent we showed vs Sturt the week prior.

Our expectations of North was that they’d bring the heat around the contest and with their highly skilled list, look to move the ball quickly on offensive transition. We felt that if we could neutralise North’s stoppage work and slow their ball movement, we’d create enough opportunities to kick ourselves a winning score.

Again, we were slow to start and gave up the first two goals of the game. Once we steadied, got ball in hand and got the game looking how we wanted it to, we looked dangerous. Kicking 7 goals to 2 through quarters 2 & 3 set the game up for us, and I felt we had opportunities throughout the last quarter to extend the margin even more.

From a defensive perspective, I thought it was the most consistent four-quarter effort we’d displayed for the year to date. Restricting Sturt and North to 13 goals over the past fortnight has been a huge positive for our group.

Dylan Bramich was very good and showed us just what he’s capable of as our starting Ruckman – 27 hit outs, 6 Tackles and 5 Clearances was very pleasing. I thought our midfield group of Joel Stevens (27 Disposals, 7 Clearances), Kobe Ryan (20 Disposals, 8 Tackles, 5 Clearances), Mick Mattingly (20 Disposals, 11 Tackles, 1 Goal), and Sam Frost (17 Disposals, 3 Goals) competed well around the ball and were well supported on the outside by Lucas Meline (17 Disposals), Cal Park (28 Disposals) and Isaac Johnson (17 Disposals, 2 Goals). Our backline held up well, lead by Josh Ryan (14 Marks) and Tom Morrish (25 disposals). And our Forwards worked tirelessly to support our team defence as well as work hard forward and kick a winning score.

Our connection throught the attacking half of the ground, particularly going inside F50 is a huge growth area for us.

Unfortunately we did have a couple of serious injuries come out of the game. Dylan McCormick has a confirmed stress fracture in his foot that will lead to a minimum of 6 weeks on the sidelines, and Sam Frost will have an MRI on his ankle today.

The boys will enjoy a week off now to freshen up. A great opportunity for all our interstate players to get home and spend time with their families. The Coaches will start preparations for Glenelg in just under a fortnight’s time, a great test for our group.

Again, so good to see such a great crowd at Hisense Stadium and many happy faces back in our a club rooms.

Goals: Sam Frost (3), Isaac Johnson (2), D.McCormick (2), L.Delahunty, M.Mattingly, L.Redfern (1)

Best: Dylan Bramich, Michael Mattingly, Isaac Johnson

League Coach – Adam Hartlett