It was another up and down day on the field with a strong win by the Women over Whitefriars, a demolition by the Development Squad of their MHSOB opposition, an improved performance by the Ressies against the top side and unfortunately a tough loss in the seniors against a side that had players who created the mis matches that cost us dearly.
A fantastic Rovers Women’s Lunch was held with 120 people in attendance, with a considerable amount being raised for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Senior Men
A tough day on the field for the senior players and coaching staff. With high hopes prior to the game and starting so well we looked to be in for a close contest. In fact, until the last few minutes of the first quarter scores were effectively level with the boys lifting the pressure and holding out what looked like a Fitzroy team that were far better than their record to date had showed. Our goal for the quarter, and the game, came from a hard earned free kick to Will Walker who kicked truly from 40m.
The coach was very precise at quarter time as what he wanted his young team to improve on. They all acknowledged his directions but regrettably they didn’t put his words into action and seemingly in a flash Fitzroy jumped to 6 goal lead at half time. Still the game wasn’t over and there were some great individual efforts. Lachy Costello’s desperate spoil of the pass to his opponent, his quick recovery of the ball and delivery were a treat, so to was the skippers charge through the centre to pick up the loose ball, three bounces and a long kick to Hugo Lay who took the mark (but missed the shot on goal).
It all changed after half time. A couple of big Fitzroy forwards came into the game and they kicked 6 goals all from set shots. There wasn’t much that our backs could do as the Fitzroy mids were on top in the centre and driving the ball forward with speed and accuracy. We had equal use of the ball around the ground but just could not get onto the scoreboard. Some easy misses let us down. James Keys was battling hard whether down back or in the middle, big Tom Ellinghaus was taking advantage of his height but too many of his taps were sharked by the opposition. Perko was prominent down back and his coolness under pressure was outstanding and James Prosser on the wing was winning contests.
By three quarter time it was game over. We did well to restrict a rampant Fitzroy to 4 goals in the last but still, worryingly ,we just could not get on the scoreboard. Corey Jones was continuing his good form of the first month and giving an option to our mids who just couldn’t hit the target. Our first gamers on Saturday, Owen Bater, Jake Seddon and Jake Dermott battled hard all day but it would have been a brutal introduction to Premier B footy for them. Hopefully, a few more players will come back from injury for next week and as we face our GF opposition from 2024 we know what we have to do to come out on top.
HR 1.0.6 1.4.10 1.7.13 1.10.16
Fitz 2.4.16 7.6.48 13.12.90 17.17.119
Best: Harry Crisp, Lachie Costello, Chris Perkins, James Keys, Corey Jones, James Prosser
Goal: Will Walker
Senior Women – thanks to coach Alana for this comprehensive report
1. What a brilliant display of connection today!
2. The link-up through our lines was the strongest we’ve seen all season.
3. The team trusted each other, used each other, and it showed in the flow of the game.
4. The short chips, leads, and smart passes were spot on, and that extra handball to get us out wide opened up the game beautifully.
5. We also changed the rhythm of our play – it felt dynamic and in control, with fewer repetitive patches because you made the play yours.
6. That’s growth. That’s composure. That’s team-first footy.
7. The chase-downs, second efforts, and commitment to win the footy was top notch. That pressure is what gives us repeat entries and scoring opportunities.
8. We saw stronger efforts at ground level, more bodies over the ball, and smarter positioning around the contest.
9. The players worked hard to get numbers back and then spread quickly when we won it back. That run-and-carry off half-back was excellent.
10. Entries were more considered today – not just long bombs, but lowering the eyes, and giving our forwards a real chance.
11. We adjusted well to the size of the ground. We saw smarter decision-making and patience with the ball when needed.
12. The unrewarded runs -creating space, blocking, dragging defenders – those were noticed and appreciated. That’s team-first mindset.
13. One of the biggest strengths we saw today was the willingness to run and carry. When we trust your power and leg speed, it breaks lines and opens up the field for smarter entries. Taking one step and kicking it long under pressure doesn’t give us the same advantage.
14. The pressure from our backline was outstanding today. They worked together to close space, apply body contact, and force rushed kicks and handballs.
15. Our intent around stoppages was focused. We’re starting to set up with purpose, which gives us a chance to work to advantage. We’ll endeavour to keep that structure and discipline!
I’m proud of how the team played today. To win against the top tier teams in tight matches when one rotation or one kick can have an influence; we need to keep building the habits that will carry us all the way!
Whitefriars 0.2.2 0.2.2 1.2.8 2.3.15
HR 3.0.18 5.0.30 5.3.33 6.3.39
Best: Hollie Brodribb, Casey Politarkis, Bry Arnold, Mandy Naylor, Tiara Annear, Chelsea Bowen
Goals: Chelsea Bowen 2, Hollie Brodribb 2, Maegan Miller 1, Tiara Annear 1
Under 19s – Thanks to Paul Carrigan for this report
The U19 team played the twilight game Saturday against SKOBS 2s, we kicked the first goal of the game and were competitive for the first 15 minutes, we went to sleep after defending well and went down 8 goals to 2 in the first quarter. We rejigged the magnets for the second quarter and at half time reported that we won our first quarter for the year, outscoring the opposition 4 goals to 2 goals.
It was a great tonic for our lads, Josh Haines was really good and kicked 2 goals, Cohen and Smoji leading from the front, GAK, Grim and the back 6 trying hard.
Everyone had a moment.
Conceding 8 goals in the first quarter was not ideal but the boys were competitive for the last 3 losing by 60 when 36 down at quarter time.
Some more belief over the next few weeks and with a few lads coming back singing the song is not far away.
Collar bone break to Jake Grima, is shocking for him and us, he is in good form and was training with the seniors.
Thanks to Barnsey and Fletch for filling in.
HR 1.2.8 5.3.33 6.5.41 7.9.51
SKOB 8.0.48 11.5.71 13.8.86 16.15.111
Goals: Harry Ockerby 1, Angus Zufic 1, Jake Grima 1, Josh Haines 2, Stef Somogyi 2
Reserves– Thanks to Paul Golding for this report
We played a team that was on top of the ladder and on top of their game.
We had a very solid 1st 1/4 and matched their intensity and ball movement but after the 1/4 time break we had lapses of concentration, missed targets that resulted in turn overs that good opposition score against.
Our back line did an amazing job and repelled well all game. Our mids battled hard all game and the forwards presented well.
I think we took a good step forward, the score was not indicative of the amount of time each team had with the ball. We just kept missing targets and gwere hurt on turnovers.
Cam Carmeni back from injury was solid all day. Ollie Horigan showed his class and is getting better every week. Jacob Gray was a rock down back. Charlie Kilburn provide a spark up forward. Oscar Donald had a solid 4 quarters and is getting back to his best.
We just need to stay focused, stay stronger for longer. I’m looking forward to this week’s battle against Old Carey.
HR 3.1.19 3.3.21 4.5.29 7.6.48
Fitz 2.4.16 6.7.43 11.7.73 14.9.93
Best: Ollie Horigan, Cam Carmeni, Jacob Gray, Charles Kilburn, Darcy Lyon, Oscar Donald
Goals: Darcy Lyon 2, Shelton Hegarty1, Charles Kilburn 1, Jack Scanlan 1, Toby Linegan 1
Thirds/Development Squad
I was expected a tome this week given the result in the first week in the new fixture. It’s great that the boys held together for that first month and while we were clearly wrongly graded I have a feeling that after the call to arms of last week that the adjustment by the VAFA may have been a slight over reaction! I think the team kicked more goals in Round 5 that they kicked in total in the first 4 weeks.
After having no bench for the first few weeks, we now had six players on the bench and a whole lot more that missed out.
Wil Van Derham no doubt enjoyed his first official game as coach of the Rovers Development Squad – I haven’t heard what percentage of the credit he is taking for the big win!
- It’s a 280 point turn around after a 130 point loss last week and a 150 point win this week
- The forward line was firing with 5 to Tom Folino, 4 to James Young and a welcome return to Rovers legend (well, in his mind) Jack Baxter with 3 goals.
- The extra players on bench helped as we ran away with it in the 3rd piling on 12 goals to 0
- Now sitting 4th on a ladder with a % over 500 from our one win.
- The plan is that after the next home game the team will return to the Boss and celebrate the commencement of the new season!
MHS 4.8.36
HR 28.14.182
Best: Will Black, Tom Folino, Ollie Anderson, Richard Atkins, Jesse Lovig, James Young
Goals: Tom Folino 5, James Young 4, Oscar Beaton 3, Jack Baxter 3, Koby Upton 2, Darcy Merlo 2, Will Hunter 1,Nick Anderson 1, Rupert Hunt 1, Zack Carbon 1, James Craig 1, Mo Labib 1, Jacob McLean 1, John Illias 1, Rich Atkins 1.
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