Saturday afternoon against the Saints was the assignment for the Roos as the boys looked to atone for the close loss the week before. Several changes with Dev, Musto and Harry, making way for Elf, Rhys and Della.
The writing was on the wall early with an undermanned Saints struggling to keep up with the fast starting Roos. Quick goals to Austin, Tyson and Lindsay had us out to a handy early lead – eleven goals to one at quarter time.
More of the same in the second. Tyson continuing to find the way between the big sticks and Kizza enjoying his time in the forward line giving us plenty of options. Jake, Tank and Lindsey were capitalising on the good work of Mikey in the ruck and our young wingmen in Callum, Jesse and Jarrad were finding plenty of the ball. All of our efforts combined to see a big Roos lead at the half time break.
Unfortunately, we rested on our laurels somewhat and experienced a flat opening to the third quarter. It appeared the boys had got ahead of themselves and the plucky young Saints began to find some of the ball. We wanted to run forward and showed no respect to our opposition. Hard work and discipline went out the window.
The challenge was laid out from the coaches at three quarter time for the boys to get back to the levels of the first half, with the emphasis on running out the game and finishing strongly. Dylan Larsen was moved into the middle and the intensity lifted immediately – the boys were quickly back in stride. Tyson, Austin, Mikey, Jake, Rhys and even old man Della hit the scoreboard with maximums in the last and when the final siren sounded, we were big winners on what was a tough day for the Saints.
Goals scorers on the day had Tyson a standout with double figures (10), Austin 5, Lindsey 4, Tank, Mick, Mikey, Gaz and Jesse 2 a piece, with singles to Della, Jake, Rhys and young Jarrad (his first goal for the club).
Cellarbrations Best on Ground: no surprises with his bag of 10 goals – Tyson, who also won the Brendyn Johnston Memorial medal for his classy display. Captain Tank was second best for his hard running and work through the middle, Jake Davis 3rd – finding the ball all over the ground and Kizza rounding out the top four. The match was truly a team effort where numerous players could have received awards.
Some special mentions on the day with Tank kicking the Goal of the Year after running nine meters, dancing in and out of trouble only to be called for running too far. Tyson for nearly missing from the goal square, and to Kizza for failing to make the distance from twenty meters out!
Thanks to all who helped on the day. Blockhead for being Dylan Larsen’s personal Water Boy, Andy and Beavo for running, Monster running water, Larso on the scoreboard, Bill classy as usual in the goals and Dev for trying (albeit failing miserably) to do the stats!!
Carn the Roos!