Coaches Blog Round 1 2017

COACHES BLOG FROM ROUND 1 - SWANS v PERTH

3 wins from the 4 games on Saturday was a solid start for the club in season 2017.

The 16’s had a nice win, and we are really happy with this group coming through. Names like Garcia, Bright, the Robinson twins, Hilton, Ireland and many more will no doubt catch your eye over the coming years. Our talent manager Steve Thompson keeps telling me this group will provide the club with a heap of senior players in the future, and after watching a lot of their first two games of the carnival, I couldn’t agree more.

The colts dominated their match and just couldn’t find the middle of the big sticks. 24 scoring shots to 7 resulted in just the 27 point victory, but there’s a fair bit of talent floating around to be excited about. Sammy Taylor with 23 touches is a key defender with huge upside, and Grayden Wilson from Guildford Grammar supported him down back very nicely. Jack O’Sullivan battled hard through the middle with 18 touches and 8 tackles and big Oscar Matthews showed that we have a nice developing ruckman coming through that competes and runs hard around the ground. Another GGS boy Joey Hinder took mark of the year, or so he says anyway! It was a big catch and he’s another young man with a bright future. Cameron and Rodereda were another couple of youngsters to catch the eye on a day where Colts coach Xavier Ellis kicked off the season with a good win.

In the reserves we just didn’t get it right, never got going, and got soundly beaten by 50 points as a result! It has a heap of talent this group with 17 players who have tasted senior footy already, but unfortunately we were badly outworked! Benny Whitsed could hold his head up high with his performance through the mid’s, and Josh Cipro showed real promise by collecting 27 disposals. Jacob Coniglio looked very strong off half back as well and Jesse Turner collected 25 touches in defence. Whilst it was a tough day, it wont be the worst thing for us to get a bit of a touch up and then have to respond strongly!

At senior level we snuck home after conceding an early 5 goal lead due to a couple of monster turnovers, a couple of free kicks and some slick play from a young Perth side. After quarter time however, we really got hold of the momentum in the game and controlled the contest in most areas but the scoreboard. The possessions at the end of the game of 390 to 285 showed that we controlled the footy for long periods, but to Perth’s credit, they hung in there strongly all day and we just couldn’t put them away.

Our best were led by Xavier, who added 4 quality finishes in front of goal to go with his 27 touches. Riggio and Ellard were instrumental through the midfield and were supported by Jake Nuich strongly. Our defenders were very strong with Howard and Ugle leading the way by winning plenty of contested ball. Jamie Bennell also had a fair day upon his return to the Black Ducks with 32 disposals. Up forward Brayden Nobel provided a really strong target for us and Banfield and Rogers had great impact on the ground. Their pressure was a real factor after quarter time and their intercepts and chase out ability was first class.

Lots to like, but also lot to work on and heaps of room for improvement!

This week we get a look at one of the early fancies in the competition at our home ground. They are a complete side with strength across all three lines. The weather will be elite for anyone looking to see some good footy so come down and support the boys! We haven’t had too many family friendly days in the past year weather wise, so come down and enjoy a day at the footy!

Greg