Close but no points for coming second!

Round 2 Summary

Best: West – R. Stapleton, J. Coulthard, J. Warren, M. Hannan, R. Hobbs. Port – C. Carey, J. Watson, J. Corrieri, C. Smith, B. Luteria. Goals: West – H. Warren 3, J. Warren 2, J. Coulthard 2, R. Dadleh , R. Stapleton , M. Woodforde , T. Warren , S. Page. Port – G. Phillips 3, M. Gale 3, K. Johanson, C. Carey, A. Waters

In general the game was very tight and once again a low scoring scrap. I thought our style of play and structure was better and gave us much more of an idea of what is required to beat the better sides. The stats were incredibly even I50s 61/64 Centre clearnces 12/12 ground 20/20 and the free kicks 13/12 our way. Good games this week from Campbell, Kieran, Greggy and Case. Great ruckwork from Burford and negating game from Chad (10×1%ers). Wings were excellent and great ticker shown from Jacob, good to see. 

Positives that came from the game

• We used crosses more naturally and this needs to conitinue to become reflex for us to spread and run.• Our kick out zone worked exceptionally well- we got 2 direct goals and another 3 points that could/should have been goals. We gave up the pockets and forced them to one side and pushed across.
• Pretty much good signs from most players- All 1%ers were up, especially tackles but need to get them from 55 to 80 (20 a qtr).
• Talk was better in patches but still need more• Our younger players got a taste for what intensity is needed to play A grade footy• Our foot passing and marking improved• We scored 28 times from 61 inside 50’s this week at 45.9% v 7/60 @ 23.3% last week which is better 

Points we need to improve on

• Our skill level with balls on the ground under pressure must be cleaner.
• Whilst we scored better from I50’s they weren’t goals!!! 9.18 will kill you every time- take the responsibilty to have confidence to kick the goals. That’s why you are in the forwards!
• We have lost both 2^nd halves- this week 1.8 to 6.8- not acceptable.• We lost- good teams find a way to win. 

Looking forward

Lions- we love to beat them and owe them plenty. They are talking up their chances big time and we need to get straight up in their faces from the first bounce. Their style is similar to West and is based on strong running from the strength, their backlines. They have some dangerous players that we must watch but having said that we will still play our style but need to be conscious of other teams strengths.

I encourage all supporters to get out there this Sunday as we continue our improvement and strive to be number 1 side in Pirie. Go Dogs