Michael Godden – Senior Coach Comments
I have found this loss really hard to accept, the feeling around the group after the first 10 minutes was the game was being played on our terms. From a pure statistical point we had more possessions, more inside 50s, equal scoring shots, won all stoppages easily and all of our teams KPI’s were very good. I guess apart from the fact that we didn’t get a big enough score on the board, kicking 3 goals-3 points to 7 goals-1 point from set shots is probably the difference in such a low scoring game.
The loss of 3 key forwards and Adam Grocke doing a remarkable job playing as well as he did after the preparation he had, it was still a pretty good effort to have 20 inside 50 marks, but unfortunately not enough of them converted into goals. This leads me to my next point, I think as the coach I need to revisit the way we set the forward line up and the way we move the ball from defense when we have late changes to our forward line (due to our AFL listed players who play this role in our team) because it is very difficult for the young guys to adapt overnight to my normal structure, so this is an area that I need to take responsibility for and make sure we have a structure that suits our team on any given week.
With all of this said there is a definite responsibility of the playing group to continue to improve and demand the best from themselves, because once again we have too many passengers on a weekly basis, and this consistency needs to be addressed by each individual.
The disappointment of the league result this week was compounded by the Reserves being in control at quarter time and then dropping off so poorly, also the Under 18s being in control at half time and having a 9 goal to 0 last half is a real worry. As a Club we need to address these issues and try and find out what triggers these drop offs and work on fixing them, whether that be the style we play of the personnel we have I have to make sure that this isn’t something that happens regularly, if ever, so we may need to make some changes either now or at the end of the year and possibly tough calls on individuals need to be made if they cant find their way to being good consistent footballers at these levels.
Finally, this week against North for all grades is a real season defining game and we all need to stand up if we want to be taken seriously in this competition.
Craig Smith – Reserves Coach Report
Having the week off gave our players the chance to recharge the batteries and refocus for the second half of the year. The theme was getting back to basics and striving to do the little things well. In the first quarter we did these things and looked good when we moved the ball quickly. What was also pleasing was the way our players were able to move the ball smartly when a fast movement did not present itself.
Unfortunately a worrying trend is developing within the reserves team. We were unable to maintain our intensity around the ball and our fast ball movement dried up. This allowed West Adelaide to repel our forward movements consistently and by half time although we were still in front the momentum of the game had swung.
The second half saw more of the same and we were unable to wrestle back the momentum eventually being over run. The final result of a 22 point loss was a fair reflection of how the game went.
After the game we talked about the intensity level that is required to play league football, and our inability to play at that level consistently. It is frustrating as we are showing glimpses of it, but seem unable to maintain it for four quarters. The players will be working hard on the track this week to regain some confidence and positive energy as we look forward to North this week.
Terry Hutton – Under 18’s Coach Report
J Polec and Batley were recalled to the Reserves. Daly fell ill at the last moment which left the team with only 21 players. Two under 16’s took their place. L.Dunstan and N.Clift. Prior to the 5 pm game it was an emotionally charged time as a crowd of West League, Reserves, Under 18 players and officials paid tribute to the young West lad who was victim of a car crash the previous week. His Guernsey was presented to his father.
The second quarter was an equally matched quarter but gradually the Eagles with long kicking and quick movement established a handy lead, Growden off the HB flank and later in the centre gave plenty of drive. Poole was everywhere under packs, creating space, running on to set up scoring opportunities.
Fairclough was dynamic with clever evasive skills and long kicks into the forward line. Huppatz, our lone Ruck, was playing an intelligent game, sitting back across the field and marking strongly game. The Eagles appeared in control.
West came out firing in the 3rd quarter, breaking tackles easily, following up play, running forward to receive the ball and scoring easily. It was as if the two sides had changed jumpers. We lost Fairclough at halftime due to a groin injury. Many silly frees were given away by blind rushing at the opposition. West got numbers pack while the Eagles were very slow to get down and to help team mates under pressure. Often the Eagles were led to the ball and handling errors were killing any smooth fluid movement down the ground. Young L. Dunstan (U16) remained cool under tremendous pressure. Mansell played courageously from HB flank. Cunningham battled very strongly often against three opponents and balls being delivered through the midfield without any pressure being exerted. Harding with limited opportunities and little help from those around scored 4 goals. Lutze flashed in and out of the game with clever knockons.
The 4th quarter saw West control most of the play. Emotion and confidence ran high as they were determined to win for their missing mate. Too many Eagles went missing. They played reactive football, slow to think, slow to read the flow of play, slow to attack when in possession, lost the ball too easily, failed to block for team mates, failed to recover to the contest on the ground. They waited too much or lost the ball with short ill directed kicks or easy dropped marks. The desperation, desire and emotion of the West side was just too much. A very disappointing result.