Round 13
27 July 2009
Redcliffe 8.8.56 def Wilston Grange 3.6.24
Best Players: Hanning, Dickfos, Dawson, Pittle, Furness, Carlson
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Yet another perfect day greeted us at Wilston Grange and an opportunity to really see how far we have come as a team as we play the side 2nd on the ladder. As we have mentioned the previous weeks results would have opposition teams wondering what are they up against from a side who are 7th on the ladder but proving a tough challenge against the top sides.
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We had hurdles to jump even before the game had started with teammates falling by the way side due to illness and some who it appears are finding that total commitment a little too hard to handle. One of those rare occasions happened that even with a squad of 28 we could only field 20 and not all those 20 were a 100% but they pushed themselves for the sake of the team and a couple of teammates and families also got off their sick beds to support their boys and their team.
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I didn’t think we could have prepared better for this game and from the first bounce our body language and focus was purely on the job. Our onballers once again gave us opportunities by winning the ball out of the middle and the workman like pressure that was applied in the forward line was what every coach dreams of. Liam, Jacko, Jakey V, Driffo, Hanning and Furness work tirelessly in the middle and the forwards, lead by Pittle and Cester presented themselves beautifully. With them committing themselves, this meant the mozzie brigade of both Cantlins, Chucky and Jacob, AJ, Jedda, JD and Sandsy were able to crumb and compete and force scoring chances because of the relentless pressure they applied. This enabled us to go into the first break with a six point lead after majors by Pittle and Liam in the first quarter.
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Needless to say Grange was a little shocked, but little did they realize that it was to get worse. The defensive work of Bailey, Ely, Sands, Carlson, Rowlands, Paszek and Martin enabled us to continually push forward and repel any forward thrusts they had and we managed to keep them scoreless for the second quarter and kick another 2 majors ourselves. One each to our part time full forwards in Tylor Cester and Jacko who were changing from rover to full forward all day. Our half time lead of 19 points was just reward for effort.
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Enter the fast improving Tigers tenacity and will power and the so called premiership quarter was to determine the game. We tackled, chased, ran and positioned ourselves in the right spots and every player competed when it was their turn to do so. For the first time this year every player played the game and didn’t watch the game. All players who spent time on the bench, Jedda, JD, Sandsy, Connor, Jacob made the most of each opportunity they got. Jedda and JD each played major parts in creating goals purely due to effort and involving themselves when the team needed them too. Grange managed only one point in the 3rd quarter while we piled on another 3 majors through a couple to Driffo and one to Liam. A 38 point lead with one quarter to go and while Grange kicked the last two goals the tigers had done their job and the scoreboard indicated the rewards the boys had so richly deserved.
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Fantastic effort by the whole team but a special mention to Josh Hanning who played one of the best games I have seen from an individual this year. With the rest just let me say I could make a case for each player to feel pretty good about their input so well done boys.
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To those who witnessed this game I hope it gave you as much satisfaction as it gave me and Storm. I have raved about our development and what we have learned about ourselves and footy as well as the team we have become. If you must judge the club, us coaches and our tactics and the decisions we make or even the players, then I hope you judge it on what you saw today and compare it to where we have come from and what challenges we have battled to get here. Be proud. I sure am.
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Thank you to all of our volunteer helpers who continually put their hands up to help and actually be part of the team and experience what we experience firsthand. I look forward to the next challenge that awaits us, Ferny Grove at Ferny Grove next Sunday at 1.30pm. Yet another top 5 side. Bring it on.
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I look forward to Monday nights gradings.
Rob Dickfos
U14's Coach
