Men’s Seniors
Loss: Defeated by Brunswick 11.5-71 to 16.12-108
On Saturday we faced top of the ladder Brunswick NOB and we were determined to put together 4 quarters of effort and free flowing, attacking footy.
Our first quarter was very good. Our energy and efforts were led by Wheels and Jacko Hatton on the wing plus Will McLeod across half forward. The addition of former Cheltenham FC player Jed Dunstan to the midfield worked perfectly with outstanding inside work and Youngy/Hally getting numerous possessions.
To be honest a couple fortunate frees to Brunswick that resulted in goals had them in front at qtr time by 14 points….
By half way thru the 2nd we continued to pressurise the opposition and our stoppage work was sound. However our work rate dropped for some unknown reason and Brunswick poured on 5 goals to nil and a 48 point half time lead.
At the main break, we implored the guys to take on the opposition and use the corridor as much as possible….but to also up the effort! We desperately wanted to win the second half.
By mid way through the 3rd I sensed a change and we began to outrun, out muscle and move the ball better with great balance of handball and precise kicking.
Matt Stone was outstanding picking up numerous possessions and by games end had kicked 3 goals.
Wheels was moved onto their best mid and completely shut him out of the game….he was even thrown forward with wheels shadowing his every move.
Our three man ruck team with new in Sam Robertson, clearly beating the oppos ruck divisions….centre clearances win in second half of 11 to 5 was outstanding.
Our final qtr was arguably our best for the past two years. Five goals to two….a massive confidence boost for the guys heading into a big game this weekend against Manningham.
Best players:Wheeler,W Fleming,Jed Dunstan,J Hall,M Stone,W McLeod ,M Young
Goals:Stone(3),Mudher(2),Pollard(2),Hall,Robertson,O’Donnell and Paton.
Men’s Reserves
Loss: Defeated by Brunswick 5.9-39 to 17.15-117
This week we found ourselves at home against a strong Brunswick side that generously agreed to play the game with the 16 a side format so as to allow us to be as competitive as possible. Indeed, the first quarter was a fast see sawing affair as the welcome inclusions of Hugh Cooper and Cody and Bailey Johnson provided a real spark for the team.
A couple of mistakes late in the term allowed Brunswick to skip away to a handy four goal break at the first change but the whole team showed a willingness to compete and the mood was positive. The second quarter also saw us remain in the contest and we held sway around the packs for the majority of the term. The athletic Cam McLennan was proving a handful for the opposition in the ruck and he rucked tirelessly all day to turn in a fine game.
Trailing by five goals at the main break, we were determined to push our more fancied opponents in the third quarter. The commitment of the team could not be questioned but we just didn’t have the overall running power of Brunswick as they were able to open up the play a little more and kicked a number of unanswered goals to put the game beyond doubt at three quarter time.
The entire team battled on gamely and we were able to kick a couple more goals in a very even final term. Eventually the final margin pushed out to 83 points, but this was not a true indication of the contest and our entire team is to be commended on a fine performance.
Goals: Esdaile 2, C. Johnson 2, Cooper
Best: C. Johnson, B. Johnson, Cooper, MacLennan, Esdaile, Fensome, Robb
Women’s Seniors
Win: Defeated defeated Monash 5.8-38 to 4.5-29
The first senior win of the year was an arm wrestle of perseverance and a never say die attitude.
A tight tussle for most of the day, Yarra was able to overrun Monash in the 2nd half even with one less on the bench on the wide-open expanses of the Monash ground.
It was a consistent performance, with the youngsters providing valuable input thanks to Lou’s 2 goals, Isla’s ball-winning and Liv’s run on the wing. Zoe in the ruck was again a standout, whilst Elliott and Kritsy were also super up forward.
Great result, but we need to go back to back this coming week against Geelong.
Goal Kickers: L. Podmore 2, B. Wriedt, C. Sheldon-Collins, K. Brockway
Best Players: I. Baldwin, Z. Scanlon, K. Brockway, E. Elliott, H. Donelan
Women’s Reserves
Win: Defeated Monash 0.6-6 to 3.8.26
Saturday’s game was a real eye opener to how far our reserves girls have come, last year Monash had beaten the Yarra ressies by 93 points. However, we are a much better team this year and walked into the game in equal first position, but in third place based on percentage against an undefeated side in Monash who were sitting in second. This game was the real test for our girls to show if we were good enough to be a top 2 side.
The feeling amongst the group was electric, a lot of excited girls keen to get out there and play some footy. However, some players might have had some battle scars from last year there was also a feeling of nervousness coming to play Monash at their home ground.
Pre-game the coach & his assistant Bron, discussed some plans together before getting the team addressed. The players were addressed in lines, as a whole and some were given induvial tasks for the day. We had a game plan to win all we needed to do was execute it.
As soon as the game started our pressure was amazing, our clearances, our defensive work and our all-round cohesion was amazing. We managed to lock the ball down in our forward half for most of the game.
Our girls battled hard to win the ball up the ground and we didn’t let Monash get an easy possession.
The girls in our backline held strong, the mids were amazing in assisting the backline, and our forwards in pushing up the group to help the mids get out and forward of the ball. This worked well going the other way, as our mids built a wall to lock it into the forward and our backline pushed up to make sure any kicks over the top were met with return entries.
The transition work and game plan fell into place exactly how we planned, and in the end, we were rewarded with the win. Celebrating the fact that we managed to keep Monash goalless it’s time to believe this may be the best ressies side Yarra has ever fielded.
Also, we want to acknowledge some key players who sustained some injures during the game, Morgan, Sophie, and Ami. These girls played brilliantly and put their bodies on the line. Unfortunately came off second best. We wish them a speedy recovery and cannot wait to get them back out there.
Goals: S Meyerm, J Ellwood, B Stephens
Best players: L Williams, S San, S Kerr, J Lane, S Meyer, J Morton, M V Veen
