Round 2 Review
Under 19.5 Premier
Blackburn 12.5.77 defeated by Waverley Blues 12.9.81.
Goalkickers: Rhode 5, Nat Barnes 3, Hoskins 2.
Better players: Brown, Jobling, Rhode, Oglethorpe & Worsham.
Anzac Day Medal presented by Waverley Blues went to Will Rhode.
Firey Doughnut Award presented by Ken Edwards went to Joel Jobling.
We arrived at Morton Park to see our Reds start their season v Donvale, credit to Brad, Pat, Suzanne, the club, and the team to get our Reds up and running. It was a very competitive effort against a good team. An unfortunate incident to one of the Donvale players meant that the Reds and our Prem team had to adapt to starting and finishing their games on 2 different grounds. A unique experience.
We started well against a charged-up Waverley Blues team that was up for the challenge on Anzac Day. Our 10-point lead at ¼ time was just a reward and we knew it was going to be a good game of footy.
Both teams kicked 4 goals in the second period. A high-scoring start to the game with the ball zipping up and down the ground. We held a 9-point advantage at halftime.
We then left the top oval and ventured to the bottom oval to complete the 2nd half.
Another very high-scoring quarter of footy in the 3rd with both teams adding 5 goals each in what was a see-sawing game.
While our lead stretched through the game, our lead was no greater than 10 points at the breaks. Our opposition was able to strike late in quarters, denying us any breathing space to find their breaking point.
In the last term, both defenses got on top, and scoring for us was a challenge.
Unfortunately, we were not able to break through while Waverley managed to kick 2 goals, and Waverley held on for a 4 point victory.
While we didn’t get the win today, I am very confident that our players learned a lot from the defeat and with a short backup of 5 days this week we head off to Rowville on Saturday morning to get the choccies.
I would also like to thank Daz last night for taking our boys thru a recovery session.
Many thanks to Ken “Firey “ Edwards for sharing some of his life experiences with our boy’s pre-game, it certainly had an impact on our group, coming from a great Clubman, thanks mate.
Gary Burleigh
Development
Blackburn 12.8 – 80 Def. South Croydon 1.4- 10
The excitement and anticipation of playing at home on a beautiful Anzac Day were amazing.
I must say the new facility created an amazing atmosphere and produced a brilliant spectacle on the most important day on the sporting calendar.
As expected, the first quarter was a fierce contest and to our credit, we hit the scoreboard early to take a four-goal zip advantage into the first break.
The Dogs did rally in the second quarter kicking their solitary goal for the game but were no match for our class all over the ground, taking a 51-point lead into the major break.
The premiership quarter was a real arm wrestle and whilst we restricted the Doggies to only 2 points for the quarter, our intensity, concentration and pressure marginally dropped off, which saw us win the quarter by only 7 points. The first half reflected the way we want to play over the 4 quarters. In saying that, the signs are extremely encouraging and as a collective, we are striving hard for continual improvement. Our willingness to work hard and play team first footy was very pleasing running out and convincing 70-point winners despite a shortened finish to the game.
It was an excellent team performance with winners across all lines on the ground.
Noah and Jackson Wright both featured amongst our best this week along with Emile Sebafundi, Carl Giovanni, Jacob Epple, Flynn Power and Matty Laffin.
Most pleasing is the even contribution we continue to get each week and whilst it is very early in the season, there is an enormous upside to the group as we move forward.
We have a 5-day break this week in preparation for our clash against Doncaster. We hope to see the Red Army in force again at Schramm’s Reserve on Saturday.
Go Burners!
Paul Harte
Seniors
After a disappointing start to the season last week versus Balwyn, our boys were asked for a stronger commitment to the task. South Croydon on Anzac Day at Morton Park, needs no introduction and our boys responded
In the room pre-match, Luke Parker presented two debutants, Reece Conca and Will Garner with their first Blackburn jumpers.
Two early goals to South Croydon, saw us trailing but the response was quick and on point. Pre-game instruction was delivered with quality ball use, and the next 5 goals saw us leading well at quarter time. Nick Gray dominates out of the midfield with two goals of his own.
By halftime, the game had squared up and we were trailing marginally. The scoring end had been established. The game continued to ebb and flow with both sides controlling periods of play.
For 21 minutes of the third term, we held the lead. South Croydon has a great spread of mids and with their backs, to the wall, they went work, they put on a burst for 10 minutes to effectively take the game away from us.
In the final term, we had no option but to roll the dice by bringing in extra men at stoppage and taking risks through the corridor, but the South Croydon was too strong.
We had positive signs throughout the day. Nick Gray is back to his best, Sam Harte with 3 goals from the wing, Chris Tatas has found a new role across half-back, and Will Garner in his first game a standout. While we haven’t hit the board the signs are good.
A 5 day break this week, meaning a light load for the boys before we take on Doncaster.
BA
