The bite back continues
Round 4 Summary vs South
PORT 4.1 10.2 15.6 16.11 (107)
SOUTH 2.1 4.1 4.2 7.3 (45)
Best: Port – J. Neary, M. Burford, A. Waters, C. Tobin, A. Vlahov. South – L. Schmidt, D. Dohnt, J. Lukich, M. Curley, J. Collins. Goals: Port – A. Vlahov 5, N. Magor 3, C. Smith , G. Phillips , C. Carey , M. Burford , J. Watson , J. Corrieri. South – J. Wingfield 2, L. Schmidt 2, D. Robinson 2, D. Dohnt
Another very good effort against quality opposition. Started with a physical first qurter that opened the game up for us in the second and third. Our structure was quite good, the zone again worked well and our approach to goal was more direct and we used more varied options this week.
The stats went our way as expected with the inside 50’s with 51 entries for 16 goals @ 31% vs 30 inside 50’s for 7 goals from South (with only 1 in the third qtr!!). Free kicks again went against us 10/16 but we just accept that as we cannot control it. The clearances at centre was 14/13 our way and around the ground 25/24 which sounded unusual to me but upon looking at the dvd our clearances were clean and free running as opposed to balls pushed out under pressure their way.
Jacob led the 1%ers with season high 15 (8 tackles) with Luteria 14 (9 tackles) and Stephens 14 (6T). Others over 10 were Underwood, Hutchison, Burford, Johanson, Kouimtzis, 1st gamer Thorpe and Murphy (8T’s!)
Positives that came from the game
•We won against one of the Augusta sides, now we work on the others.
•Our kick out zone worked well and was our first test under windy conditions. Starting to become reflex.
•95 Tackles and 190 1%ers for the game. Our run created plenty of pressure (real and perceived).
•Third quarter with centre clearances 6-0 and inside 50’s 17-1! Very good
•Highest score this year and goals to points more acceptable- (don’t count out on full’s and set play passes like Johanson to Vlahov!)
•Forward line pressure with all players giving great contest. South looked to turn the ball over, spread and run down the ground. Pockets and flanks pushed back when they had it to slow them down and they didn’t have the marking targets to get out.
Points we need to improve on
•Took our foot off the pedal 3.1 to 1.5 in the last. Let’s be ruthless, the chances don’t come that often
•Still some poor tackling technique- getting in their backs a bit (with so many tackles there will be errors)
•We took a few too many Hail Mary shots at goal. When we are caught wide we must hit that second goal square and play percentages. We must have someone there to hit as well.
•Our endeavor was great but still a few too many team mates flying against one another. I’d prefer 2 than 0 but a bit more talk will improve this.
Looking forward
We knew right from the first game vs Solly that based on last year our opposition was roughly going to improve each week. This week we come to our last opponent for a full round. Centrals are undefeated and back to back premiers, they have recruited well and will improve as the season goes on so we look forward to locking horns with them on the weekend. They are very big and we will have a much tougher job over the ball than the last few weeks. We must match/nullify them in the air and run and spread going forward.
We will pay them all respect. Again we will keep it fairly simple, back ourselves, enjoy it and just play with confidence!
Great win for the 2’s to get back on level pegging at top of table. Selection is getting very tough with players performing & others pressuring. Thats what happens in good sides by but some will miss out
This week playing for top spot!!