Round 4 saw a typical Melbourne day, complete with sunshine through to blustery wind and rain squalls had the Rovers U19’s matched up against Old Geelong at Como Park.
A slow, loose start from our lads saw an unusual number of fumbles and miss-timed kicks but as they warmed to the game, the scoreboard began to tick over and the familiar link-ups through the middle started to appear.
First quarter saw us with a handy 2 goal lead but a far more even contest in the second with some basic kicking mistakes allowing turnovers and Old Geelong started to hit the board. Jacob Gray bagged two for the half with four more goals spread around teammates. Duncan Mckenzie was looking in great form plus Tate Gramaconi clearly having one of his best games yet and growing in confidence every game.
The second half saw us peppering the scoreboard with countless entries into our forward half but our inaccuracy saw more points than goals.
Tom Goldsmith was in good form, holding a tight line in defence, denying Old Geelong repeatedly when they thought they had a sniff early in the third – pushing back quickly and providing clean delivery to his teammates.
Tanner Ellis and Harry De Wolfe were hard at the ball all day, reading the play well and always seeming to be in just the right spot when needed, giving great support to Ben Marron who was getting plenty of the ball through the middle. Cam Morris (great to have him back this week), Ben and Jacob all bagged 3 goals for the game, well done fellas!
The last quarter (in damp conditions now) saw the boys finally peg that next gear, increasing their margin over a clearly tired Old Geelong to come away with a solid 51-point win.
Honourable mentions to Coggs for always providing a good target with his solid marking, Oscar Donald for effort and directing the lads on-ground, Sammy Raghdo down back, but our B.O.G went to Duncan McKenzie for a solid 4 quarter effort. Thoroughly deserved Duncan!
Coach Sam Care has the boys playing a good brand of football and we’re all looking forward to the next game, to build on what has been a solid start to the season. The win sees the Rovers as the only undefeated team in division 2, sitting on top of the ladder with 16 points.
Old Geelong 1.1-7 4.3-27 5.7-37 6.7-43
Hampton Rovers 3.2-20 6.6-42 9.11-65 13.16-94
Goal Kickers: C. Morris 3, J. Gray 3, B. Marron 3, D. McKenzie, T. Gramaconi, M. Coughlin, J. Garrow
Best Players: D. McKenzie, T. Gramaconi, B. Marron, H. de Wolf, T. Ellis, T. Goldsmith
