Michael Godden – League Coach Report
The main focus for us against North was to make sure that every week we come with a real enthusiasm and a genuine love for the contest, while continuing to get our ball movement better than it has been. I felt on both of these points we succeeded. The physical nature of the game was a great test of our character and we dealt with it well, but most importantly after any scrimmage we were able to be the team that scored next which is really pleasing. The second point was our ball movement and once again I thought it took a big step forward.
The first quarter got underway and even though North had a few missed opportunities I felt it ended reasonably even. The second quarter was one we really wanted to make sure we won, so to have seven scoring shots to three was exactly what we needed. In preparation for the third quarter we knew that North have been pretty good all year after the main break, so to at least match them in this quarter was very important to make sure we set up the final term. The last quarter’s this year, so often have been good for us and Saturday was no exception, with us finishing off with 6-3 to 1-1 which capped off a very good win for our Club.
Finally, the playing group has worked extremely hard to put the Club in a good position in this very early part of the season, but we are all very aware of the huge weekly challenges ahead, and I can guarantee we are very keen to meet all of them starting this weekend against Glenelg at Gliderol Stadium. I have no doubt Glenelg will be looking for a huge response from last week, and we are certainly looking to continue to see improvement in both our competitiveness and our ball use, so with that in mind I expect a really good contest and look forward to seeing you all there.
Craig Smith – Reserves Coach Report
A win is a win isn’t it? If you ask Damien Hardwick he would probably be more than happy to win any game by 56 points, and I guess we shouldn’t underestimate the merit of a victory like that. But while we were pleased with a lot of the work we did I could not help but feel in some ways it was an opportunity lost.
The first quarter was a bit of an arm wrestle and we allowed them to kick the first two goals of the game but we hit back with the next three. In the second quarter we played some very good football to kick eight goals to two and had a very strong lead at half time. I mentioned to the players at half time that the game could go one of two ways. Either we allow the game to be an arm wrestle or we work really hard to try and open the game up and kick away. Unfortunately we allowed them to kick six goals in the third quarter and while we were confident we had the game under our control at three quarter time, I encouraged the players to take the score board out of the equation and to work at making sure the little things were done well. The last quarter lacked intensity and a four goal to three result saw us run out very comfortable if not completely satisfied winners.
Our forward line looked dangerous all day. We are fortunate to have so many options to use up there and our size and flexibility is going to continue to be difficult for other sides to match up on.
A special mention should be made of Cameron Sutcliffe playing his first Reserves game after some good performances in the Under 18’s and it is clear that he is destined to play many more senior games for this Club.
And I am sure that all friends of the feather will have been gladdened by the arrival of Craig Parry in the pre season. It has taken the big fella a while to get his body sound but we saw a glimpse of what he is going to bring to this club in his first hit out of 2010. His Ruck work and work around the ground while a touch rusty at times is a pointer of good things to come.
The challenges just keep rolling on and this week we are up against last year’s Premier Reserves team in Glenelg (of course they are now minus the coaching mastermind behind that Premiership). I am sure both the Reserves and League teams will be cherry ripe by Saturday to journey down Brighton Road to accept this challenge, and indeed I am certain they will be welcoming it.
Terry Hutton – Under 18’s Coach Report
In fine conditions the Eagles swung immediately into action with Sinor scoring the first goal. The Eagles dominated the flow of play with strong running football down the ground. Tackling and constant pressure didn't allow North to break free. Many scrimmages occurred with umpires allowing time for the ball to work free. The Eagles had 10 scoring shots in the opening but again accuracy was missing.
In the second quarter North forced the ball forward early for 1st goal. A 2nd goal followed soon after.
This seemed to lift the Eagles as they scored 11-2 for the quarter. Brusnahan constantly drove the ball forward from the wing and Harding was unstoppable in front of goals. Fairclough proved a dynamo in and under the packs. Summerton was constantly attacking down the centre of the ground from CHB.
In the third the Eagles continued to put pressure on North players and broke away from scrimmages many times. Flanagan played clever football to kick 4 goals and set up others. Hobbs chipped in with some fine marks to drive ball into goals.
Huppatz with Easther slowly got on top in the Ruck to give the on ballers first take. Growden was cool and calm under pressure and repeatedly ran off halfback with accurate driving kicks.
Appleton picked up many touches and in the last half each disposal proved valuable. First gamer Mansell found the ball often and disposed of it skillfully.
In the last quarter the Eagles were in complete control as their pressure and run on play was too powerful for North. Daly ended up kicking 3 goals but was also used in the back lines. Poole continues to improve and played 4 consistent quarters. Sinor's rugged and skillful play was very creative.
Flavel seized his opportunities, scoring 4 goals from a forward flank. Elfenbein's speed and strong kicking was damaging from the wing and from half forward.
Sumner was a livewire on the flank or on the ball with speed and dash and good team play bringing others into the game. Holland, Cunningham and Broadbent again proved very strong in back lines not allowing North to score after 1/2 time.
Darren Hams – Under 16’s Coach Report
In our last game of the program it was important for us to finish off with a good showing and install a positive feel amongst the group as they return to their respective local clubs.
We began well with good drive from our midfield in Luke Dunstan, Nick Clift and Riley Knight, the group worked really hard to be in control at quarter time, the midfield continued to get hold of the footy in the 2nd quarter but unfortunately Centrals defence were able to stand up and rebound too easy. At half time we were in front on the score board but really struggled to find a key forward to take control.
Shortly into the third quarter Centrals were able to score goals in succession and rescue the lead, the defensive pressure we were able to apply during the first half became non applicable and when we were in control of the ball our players started making simple errors whilst under pressure. At the three quarter time break Centrals had worked themselves in front and in control of the game.
During the three quarter time break the team was challenged as to its work ethic, desire and character, the lads responded and we were able to match Centrals for the quarter and in fact hit the front with around 5 minutes to go but unfortunately with some poor decision making Centrals were able to capitalise to run out winners by 11 points
Whilst it wasn’t the ideal way to finish off on our final game I can assure you that the lads were hurting by the loss and will hopefully take the disappointment out of the game and learn from it so they are wiser for the experience.