Another win over a cross town rival
Round 8 summary v Lions
Port 3.2 5.6 8.10 14.12 (96)
Lions 3.5 4.7 4.8 6.9 (45)
Best: Port – C. Stephens, C. Brooke, T. Hall, B. Luteria, M. Burford. Lions – C. O''Connor, E. Taylor, T. Bradley, B. Ley, L. Pole. Goals: Port – G. Phillips 3, B. Mudge 3, T. Underwood 3, A. Casey 2, C. Carey , K. Johanson , J. Corrieri. Lions – T. Horsnell 2, T. George 2, L. Goodridge , A. Simmons
We managed again to get over the line against an injury struck Lions outfit that showed some real pluck in the first half before fading. It maintained our lead on the premiership table and whilst not being our most polished performance for the year it was pleasing in the end.
We were beaten in the first quarter on the scoreboard and in general play. Lions won the centre clearances 2/4 and around the ground 3/8 and were lucky that although they had the wind they were not further ahead. We lead at half time where the game heated up a fair bit and we regrouped and settled over the break. They had the wind in the 3rd and kicked only a point and then finished with 6 ourselves in the last.
We tried some positional changes during the game to investigate some possible switches we could use later in the season should the occasion need and I believe subconsciously we were believing this game was going to be easier than it was. Full credit to Lions in the way they reacted to the pressure they had with the microscope being put over their recent efforts and their desire caught us off guard. We need to remember never to assume and concentrate only on what we can control- ourselves!
Good job to Stephens 14, Burford 15, Brooke 15 and Hall 16 for excellent 1%er efforts.
Positives that came from the game
• The second half which we won by 46 points and the clearances 30/11
• The defence again holding a side under 50 points.
• Kept our cool despite free kick count being 11/23- No 50’s
• Great tagging role done by Brooke on George, adds another string to our bow if can be repeated.
• The accuracy given the wind which came from hitting the hotspots in front of goal.
• The great running goal from Corrieri- Perfect response!!!!!!!!!!! That’s where to hurt them
• Good captains game from Luteria
• Neary’s goal being officially marked down to Underwood.
Points we need to improve on
• Spectated far too much in the first half and were brushed aside at times.
• Tackles must either bring opponent to ground or dispossess him of the ball. Ours were too often not hard enough and even missed early in the game.
• Didn’t get it to boot quick enough and over finessed
• Didn’t use the pace of our guys and run and carry- it breaks the game up and puts uncertainty in their minds stay/go? Corrieri goal is an example run and take them on!
Looking forward
South. Were in front of West all game and won in an almost identical fashion as we did. They have a good structure with key forwards and backs plus clever on ballers and are finally getting them all on the park at the same time. They have key players we must match up on.
We need a win in Port Augusta and this would be a perfect time to do it. South use a lot of the ball and we must push up and put pressure on all over the ground.
One game to another break, Port Augusta here we come!!!