Coaches Blog Round 16 2017

Due to technical issues and an uncharacteristic display from the colt’s, the report somehow got lost in the system. However, Xavier’s impromptu recovery session in the warm, bath like Swan River post match will no doubt sharpen the boys up for this week’s contest against the young bulldogs…that’s if they haven’t picked up a nasty rash from a winter algal bloom. 

The reserves game looked in control for the majority but unfortunately we just couldn’t put them under pressure on the scoreboard. To their credit, the Sharks hung around and pinched the game by a point. Brody Sutton continued his good form with 3 goals and Josh Power remained consistent with 21 touches off half back. Ben McGillivray started like a house on fire and tried hard all day for his 18 disposals, and Rod Manton battled away to end with 9 tackles and 13 touches. Brandon Erceg was a pillar of strength with 20 touches and 8 courageous marks in defence and off a wing! Logan Hughes with 16, Tom Smirk with 21 disposals and 7 tackles, and Davey Mckay with 21 through the midfield were other strong contributors. 

The loss puts us a game out of the 5 with a tough one ahead against South Fremantle who head the table, and we must bounce back right now. 

In the league game, we were relieved to come away with a win that was so important given the even nature of this competition. We began at a really nice clip and dominated the first 15 minutes of the game. Unfortunately, our first 6 attempts on goal which included 5 very gettable set shots, resulted in just 3 solitary behinds! When we turned one over straight to George Hampson 10m out from goal, our momentum evaporated and the game became a genuine scrap. 

The Sharks had an extra number behind it and that became an issue for us as Jupp marked most entries going forward. That in turn put them inside 50 extremely well as Stephen, Crighton and Schofield racked up possession after possession on the counter attack. At times we were our own worst enemy with our disposal inside our front half and as we lost a little bit of confidence with ball in hand, the confidence of the opposition grew and grew. It was a game where the contest was played on their terms for the majority, so to come away with the win was pleasing. 

One thing we can hang our hat on is that when it gets tough, our tough boys really do get going. Faulks, Ellard, Ugle, Gault, Notte, Banfield, Crowley all lifted under pressure in that last 20 minutes. We butchered the ball going forward when it looked like we had the game won, and very quickly we found ourselves behind by a few points. 

From that point, the lads picked themselves up and found a way to pinch a couple of late snaggers after an elite catch by Banners, and then a classy snap from young Stewart. Somehow, after all of the stress of the last two weeks, we took our record to 9 and 5 and only a game and percentage off the second placed Bulldogs. 

Personally, I thought Ugle was terrific again and he’s putting together an amazing season of 1 on 1 contested ball winning. Ellard set the tone with his tackling and effort. Howy did a really strong job on Hampson, especially when he went with him through the mids in the second half, and young McKenzie continues to be a revelation for us in key defensive roles. 

Our youngsters continue to show good signs too with Maguire, Watson, Hackett and Turner putting in strong performances, and if they can tidy up their disposal then they will become even more influential in weeks to come. 

Ames will be close this week, as will Riggio and even old man Ellis will be in the mix to return. Unfortunately Yaz is a fair way away with his hamstring but we are still hopeful of a return before the end of the year. 

We trek down to Fremantle Oval in a game that holds so much significance for our season. Our next fortnight will bring our top 3 chances into sharp focus with games against Souths and Peel. Win, and we remain a chance to secure a double chance. Lose, and the chasing pack of the Tigers, Falcons and Royals will be snapping at our heels. 

We are preparing for our toughest challenge of the year against quality opposition. 

Greg.