Rovers won a high scoring and free-flowing match against a determined Oakleigh Clays side this week. While Rovers scored seven goals with the aid of a gale in the first quarter, Oakleigh contested fiercely having more of the play. White was classy with four goals and Schafer and Sharpe were strong down back. Warning signs were detected early and players were told to go harder at the footy and play a less selfish brand. In the second quarter Oakleigh again set the tone kicking six to Rovers three, with one point separating the teams at the long break.
The third quarter belonged to Rovers who piled on 8 un-answered goals and ended the quarter with 10 goals – equalling their first half score. Rovers had seven individual gaol kickers for the quarter – White, Gleeson, Ross, Rootsey, Hille, Semmel and Zampaglione all contributed. A highlight of the quarter was Gleesons great pack mark in the goal square for which he deserved a goal, but would have to settle for five goals for the match – another strong performance consistent with last weeks effort. McDonald and Schafer coupled to provide run from the back-line and Kettle lifted noticeably to start the third quarter with an aggressive attack on the footy. Semmel and Zampaglione were valuable contributors roving the ball and moving it quickly into the forward-line, where Gleeson and White provided safe marking targets. The work rate definitely lifted and the message from the break had sunk in. There were some good exchanges in play, including quick handballs in tight and hard running off the back-line and through the corridor to provide passing options.
The last quarter was again fairly even with the final result never in doubt.
Goals: Gleeson (5), White (5), Semmel (3), Hille (2), Rootsey (2), Ross (2), Corbett, McDonald, Zampaglione.
Best: Schafer, Semmel, Gleeson, White, Zampaglione, McDonald, Ross, Corbett, Sharpe, Hendry.
Scores:
7. 3. (45) 3. 3. (21)
10. 3. (63) 9. 8. (62)
20. 10. (130) 10. 8. (68)
22. 13. (145) 12. 13. (85)