Reserves Match Report – Round 3 v South Adelaide

After a week off, the boys were refreshed and ready to have a crack at undefeated South Adelaide.

After letting ourselves down in round 2 with some of our ball movement and defensive transition, we had a strong focus on correcting this going into the South game. Our aim was to apply pressure to South’s kicking game and force them into more of a handball game which I though the boys did for long periods of the game.

The first half was a real arm wrestle with both teams playing a strong contested brand of football. We started to gain some ascendency towards the middle of the second quarter without reward on the scoreboard, we then let South back into the game the last 5 minutes of the quarter and allowed them to score 2 crucial goals which gave South a 6-point half time lead.

At half time we spoke about sticking to the process for longer as we believed our game plan was holding up, but we just needed to bring it for the whole 26 minutes each quarter.

The third quarter was another goal for goal arm wrestle with South kicking a goal late to go into the last quarter with a 13 point lead, but there was a real feeling amongst the group at the break that if we worked hard for each other for a full 26 minutes in the last quarter then we could win the game.

And this is exactly what transpired, the belief and confidence in our game plan, there teammates and the never say die attitude of this team is really strong at the moment and no matter the game situation this group does not know how to give in which is a real credit to the whole squad.

A 4 goal to 1 last quarter in some tough conditions saw us run out 8-point winners.

Jed Obst continue his great season with a hardworking 4 quarter effort in the middle of the ground, Lachie Squire played his first game for the season coming back from preseason surgery showing why the club is so excited to have him back on the park with a strong contested game having 9 clearances and 7 tackles to go with his 25 disposals. Jack Cottrell went forward in the last quarter and kicked 3 huge goals to help us get over the line.

With the league team playing Port in Loxton on Sunday this week, the Reserves back up again Friday night at home against South. We would love to see our supporters come along and support our young group.

Best: J.Obst, L.Squire, M.Marslen

Goals: J.Cottrell (3), H.Ellem, M.Marslen (2), D.Bramich, D.McCormick, L.Tredwell (1)

Daimon Head – Reserves Coach