Roos Wrap
Last week’s game was a final chance to consolidate the side and tune up before finals. We were back to play Pickering Brook at their home ground after a week off on what was a great day for football. Several changes with Dev Borstel, James Beavington, Jake (Vitler and Chad making way for Dylan O’Loghlen (Chook), Dave Ryan (Rhino), Dave Smith, Harry Heine and Lochy Fitzpatrick.
The start wasn’t the same as our last visit to Pickers as the Hawks were hell bent on avenging their loss from two weeks earlier. A couple of quick goals to the home team had us on the back foot before goals to Waggas (James Waghorne) and Tyson (Hamling) got us back on track. We were wasting our chances in front of goal – 3 goals 7 to quarter time. Poor kicking keeping the Hawks in the game.
Into the second and things began to change as the boys moved away from the game plan and went back into their shells. Turnovers and brain fades brought about goals to Pickers as they surged back into the contest. When Tank (Tom Cowton) retaliated to a dirty hit at the bottom of the pack giving away a free kick, Pickers had kicked the last four goals of the game to hold a one point lead at the main break.
A couple of choice words from the coach and a barrage from Sep (Joseph Cowton) on his brother left all with no doubt improvement was required in the second half. Shaggy was done for the day, Rat couldn’t hit the side of a barn and the boys were going to have to dig deep in the third quarter.
Instant results after the break as Tyson took up the challenge to break the game open. Dave Smith was linking up well across half back and snuck forward to show Rat and Tank just how you kick a goal. The ‘Rat Pack’ started to find the ball during the term and worked well to lock the ball into our forward line but we couldn’t kick straight to save ourselves three goals five for the quarter and we had a nineteen point lead at the last change.
Pickers wouldn’t go away in the last and were challenging hard. Rob (Ryan), Lindsey (Vitler) and Kizza (Kieron Lipman) were doing their best to keep the Hawks out and were getting plenty of support from the boys in the middle. Sep found his way forward to kick his second of the day and when Rat (Andrew Rylance) managed to kick his first of the game in the dying moments, we were home by thirteen points.
Tyson was our best on the day with a dominant display through the middle. Dave Smith next for his great work across half back and Kizza received third best for his good work keeping Horse under control. Sep was fourth best for his good use of the ball (and for pulling older brother rank on Tank with his half time spray), Jesse next for his hard running and composure under fire. Mick (Italiano) and Lyndsey (Vitler) picking up the joint peep show award for the week. Tyson, Sep and Waggas each had two goals for the day, Dave Smith, Tank and Mick one a piece. Rat: seven points to go along with his one goal for the afternoon.
As we go into finals a big thanks goes out to Lochy and Kade for doing the Boundary all year and to Bill who decided to abandon us to take a train trip around Java. Thank you for covering the goals again throughout the year.
It’s down to business as we hit the finals and a big opportunity for the young Roos to show just how far we have come as a group against the ladder leaders Chidlow in the second semi. Nothing but our best is going to get the job done… Embrace the challenge, take the game on and enjoy the opportunity that you have all earnt!
Go Roos!