Michael Godden – Senior Coach Report
I think we all know that this was a huge game for the season, and we failed. So we need to learn from it and fix it quickly so we can get that win back to stay in touch with the top 3. We went into the game with a well organized plan and I felt we executed it really well for the first quarter and a half, but then the consistency in which we applied our game plan was gone and we started making a lot of skill errors. These mistakes put the ball carrier under a lot of pressure and when that occurs errors create errors. I have a few theories on what went wrong, and I have certainly discussed this at length with the playing group in order to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
This week is a big one for myself and the rest of the coaches to make sure when we are in that situation we adapt quicker to change and push forward in order to put the game out of reach of the opposition. As I said earlier our skills under pressure were way below what an SANFL league teams should be, and I can tell you that is not through a lack of practice, it was a lack of protection of the ball carrier so they can have time and space to execute the delivery.
With all of that said there were some really good signs early and if we can become more consistent throughout a game we will be very dangerous going into the latter part of this season.
So that is the challenge this week, to be more consistent for 4 full quarters, don’t allow red time goals and if we get in front make sure we lift our intensity more and more and never be satisfied until the final siren.
Craig Smith – Reserves Coach Report
Although Sunday turned out to be a disappointing day for the Club the day started well enough with the Reserves having a win.
It was a low scoring first quarter and we managed to squander several opportunities. Even though the scores were 2.1 to 1.2 at quarter time I felt we had controlled the game to that point. It was more of the same in the second quarter and at half time we were two goals in front. While this was pleasing we still hadn’t managed to get full reward on the score board for the work we had done.
Our third quarter proved to be our best and we managed four goals to lead at three quarter time by 27 points. Norwood outscored us in the last quarter but we managed to run out 21 point winners.
When trying to analyze this performance we have to take into account that we had 8 changes from last weeks team. While the guys coming in were quality players it does take time for them to settle in and work together with the rest of the group. It was a good sign to see the contributions made by the returning state under 18 boys. The positive mind set the players who had been omitted from the seniors played with was also very pleasing. As well as this we had a couple of players returning from injury make good contributions.
Overall it was a pleasing Reserves performance. Every game at this time of the year is important and with this week being a short week the players will need to regroup quickly for another big week against South Adelaide.
Terry Hutton – Under 18’s Coach Report
A triple header with the U18’s following the League game with a 5 pm start in good conditions but the ground was soft. This created many turnovers as players found difficulty in keeping their feet at stages in the game. The Eagles were very well prepared with clear instructions on how to shut down Norwood style of game. They jumped out of the blocks and had 4 goals on the board before Norwood scored. The goals that Norwood scored were quick snaps out of scrimmages with no Eagles back player standing in the goal square. All back players were drawn to the scrimmages.
The 2nd quarter saw Eagles take command of the play. After Norwood scored two quick goals with their back play then run and carry. Heinjus was dominating in the ruck giving the run on players first look at the ball. Growden read the play well, constantly attacking with long raking drop punts to advantage. Over 40 touches speaks for an outstanding game. Poole was in and out of packs bustling the ball clear and setting up many forward movements. Appelton played more instinctively with quick accurate handball and solid kicks. Brusnahan on the back flank played a very good captain’s game, constantly talking and prepared to take the opposition on with direct running movement. Harding was proving a handful with his lead up the ground and alertness to follow up the play. Lutze and Flavel made their presence felt when they came on, finding the ball often on the HFF,
The 3rd quarter saw initially a much tighter contest with the ball being swept up and down the field. Eagles again placed tremendous pressure on the Norwood defense who tried to get numbers back and run and carry the ball forward. Eagles created many turn overs with constant pressure, controlled tackling and close checking. Jacquier proved an excellent avenue at CHF, always at the contest to mark, spoil, provide a target. Von Bertouch was another solid player. If not marking he, contested to bring the ball to ground. Often there were 2 to 3 players falling back pressure him. Heinjus when resting in the forwards took many strong marks and kicked accurately. Easther played well in the ruck when he came on to relieve Heinjus. Sinor and Schwarz as onballers were strong in working through the centre of the ground to drive the ball forward.
The 4th quarter saw Eagles style of play continue: strong attack on the ball, constant back up of numbers, give and carry down the field and dominance in the forward area. The backs need a special mention as they combined well as a unit. Cunningham kept their star full forward to minimum touches. He was constantly spoiling, harassing, chasing and attacking. Cashel at CHB played a cool controlled game, confusing the opposition with his left foot turn and accurate kicking down the line. Mansell and Broadbent took timely marks as well as blocked for team mates. Elfenbein is proving a reliable back pocket with his speed and attack on the ball. He kept close to Norwood’s dangerous no.1 goal kicker. Hobbs was sent early into the backline because of Norwood height. He took some timely marks and played a good team game. The U16’s players, Clift and L Dunstan are proving a valuable asset to the side. Joyce got plenty of the ball and I remember one superb pass to Full forward which resulted in a goal.
An excellent team effort with several outstanding individual efforts.