We arrived at Eltham hoping to put round 1 behind us. Preparation for the game was again hampered by tape issues and clearances not going through leaving us with 20 players and several playing under injury clouds. Again not ideal. With such a young list I have rotated captains in the first few rounds until the side settles and we decide on a leadership group. Jake Kogleman did a great job leading the boys this week following on from J Macs good efforts last week.
Despite this we came out all guns blazing and with Bones and Vinny dangerous up forward we had 2 on the board before they had scored. Up until this point the tackling pressure was a highlight of our game. Unfortunately Eltham kicked 11 of the next 12 goals up to half time and effectively took the game away from us. This was an area of the game where we failed to slow their momentum and we will need to improve in this aspect.
Pleasingly the boys never threw in the towel despite losing Zuccon and Jab before halftime to injury, we fought out the 2nd half strongly and won that half of footy by a couple of goals. This is an attribute that we have spoken about and demand in our team, pride and desire are 2 things that are unconditional. The tackling pressure was first rate all over the ground led by young Adam Braun who dominated all over the ground and set a bench mark for repeat efforts to his team mates.
Best player for the day was a stand out in Brauny. Pete Owen again gave his all and won most contested footy around the ground. James Price provides outstanding voice for his mates and presented up and down the wing creating many scoring opportunities. Conor Ryan was dangerous in attack and finished off the good work of our midfield. Chinna again flexed his new found muscles on the opposition forwards hunting the ball and the man with aggression, before giving the midfield a chop out. Young Michael Boyson hit form playing on much bigger opponents in the backline and giving us an honest contest whilst providing run. Tay Mitteff showed what he has to offer and with more fitness will be a force in the midfield and Hayden Thorley put in a big hearted performance rucking the majority of the game unchanged.
Definately some positive signs with all players contributing to the effort, where we need to improve is the consistancy and not have the costly lapses like what occurred in the first half. This will only come with hard work on the track.
Great to see so many players past and present at the function saturday night, and with some more clearances coming through this week we look forward to coming out after the easter break and getting some wins on the board.
Go Bloodz
mickeyo #54
Last Modified on 18/04/2011 12:10