One thing is clear after yesterday’s game, we have a lot of improving to do if we are going to lift the Premiership Cup this year. Whilst the endeavour cannot and should not be questioned we were really exposed by Surfers Paradise on their big ground. They were bigger, faster and more skilful than us and certainly deserve to be the first team into the Grand Final. We never led the game at any stage and were always under pressure. We got to within a couple of goals during the third term but that was to be as close as we got. Having said that I am not sure the final margin of 65 points was totally reflective of the game as they kicked the last 5 goals of the game when it was effectively over. When we played them during the season and inflicted their only loss it was on our smaller ground and in dampish conditions, hopefully if we meet them in the Grand Final in 2 weeks at Beenleigh it pours with rain. We matched them when the ball was on the ground but in the air it was a different story, not sure what the contested mark stats were but they would have to have been at least triple what we had. They have some fantastic players in their team and they are well drilled so no matter who plays them in 2 weeks it is going to be a huge challenge.
As for us we have to regroup and prepare as best we can for Palm Beach on Sunday at 11.30 am. Any niggly injuries must be properly looked after during the week as we have to have everyone 100% fit and ready to go for one last crack at getting into the Grand Final. Speaking of injuries commiserations to Jye who dislocated his shoulder for the second time this year. He went off early in the game and no doubt it upset our structure a fair bit at the time. Big shoes to fill but I am confident we have enough depth at the moment to cover for him. Been the year from hell for Jye with not only shoulder injuries but also knee troubles as well kept him out for a couple of games and no doubt kept him from playing at the level that we know he can. Now he has 6 months to recover and get himself 100% fit for 2012.
As for better players today I thought Neal Collins down back was terrific, Mitch and Chris battled hard against a much bigger and more experienced Surfers ruck combination, Josh Mackey, Fitzy and Gus battled hard in the middle and X worked diligently in his tagging role on perhaps the competitions best player.
Not much else to say other keep your heads up boys and bring on next week!!
Final scores Surfers Pardise 21-9-135 defeated Springwood 10-9-69
Goalscorers – Mayo 2, Chris 2, Cherry 1, Fitzy 1, Gus 1, Josh Mackey 1, X 1 and Jordie 1
Last Modified on 15/08/2011 13:29