Seniors

Round 13 saw Parade head to Glen Iris to play Salesian who were the last side to beat us in Round 7. Although we had won 5 games in a row prior to this clash, Salesian, who are fighting to stay in Division 2 was going to be tough

Kicking with the breeze, Salesian opened their account with a major in the first 25 seconds; however, we replied shortly after with a goal to Dave Boundy. We were working hard and although we had the better of the contest against the breeze, we could only manage 3 goals 6 behinds for the quarter to take a 10 point lead at the first change

The first 10 minutes of the second quarter saw neither side take control; however, Salesian we working extremely hard into the breeze and kicked 4 quick goals in the middle of the quarter. We were struggling to get any real system into our game; however, 2 late goals by Pratt and Brabender saw us go into the main break just 1 point down.

At the main break, we spoke about our lack of talk and over use of the ball. We came out in the third quarter and kicked 3 goals in the first 5 minutes. We started to take control of the game; however, to Salesian’s credit, they fought back hard to kick the next 3 goals and go into the final quarter with a 2 point lead.

Although we were kicking with the breeze in the last quarter, 11 goals had been kicked against the breeze, as opposed to 8 goals with the breeze. Sean Miller took control at centre bounces; Rendina and McAllister got more of the football around the contest, and Boundy, Pratt and Brabender were proving a handful up forward. The boys from Parade really lifted in the last quarter and with 6 goals to 2 saw us win by 23 points. Early in the game, Salesian didn’t allow us to develop any real system in our game; however, to the credit of the Parade boys, they lifted their intensity and found a way to win.

While a win by 146pts is a great result and reward to a hard working team performance, the Reserves game summary to players is still presented irrespective of the result. You will read that it still highlights those things that have an impact on the result and areas of our game that still need to be improved

Well done to Matty Lomax on his performance in his first game in the Reserves and a welcome return by Warren Jeffery on his first game back since badly injuring his finger in Round 2.

The Reserves currently sit equal 2nd but 2nd on percentage. We are determined to have the double chance come the completion of Round 18. While saying that, there is still much work to do and the playing group, to their credit, is still playing good solid football and the pleasing aspect of that is that 22 players contribute to each win.

Sometimes the final score doesn’t reflect the game played and this was certainly the case as the Third XVIII valiantly went down to Fitzroy at Ramsden Reserve. On a fine day and excellent surface, OP’s played some fantastic football despite having only 18 men for the contest.

Holding off Fitzroy as they kicked with the wind in the first quarter, the Raiders slammed on six goals in the second term with brilliant efforts by John Spaull, Adrian Spinoso and Adrian Palmieri. Going in at half time with a 12 point lead, OP’s had the second placed Fitzroy in trouble. Keen to defend against the blowing gale in the third term, extra defence combined with telling marks and clever strategy of Brent Richardson, Nick Bryce, Kane Barry and James Rossiter saw Parade go in at the final change in a winnable position. Leg Injuries to key playmakers Adam Paglia, Steven O’Keeffe and Daniel Garoffolo meant that rotations could not be made and the three courageously ran out the game severely restricted as Parade could not hold off the fast finishing Lions without replacements

While the final four is not possible for the Thirds, many players are pressing for selection in the Club Seconds and with finals football on the horizon, there is much to play for. Thanks to Matt Williams, Mick O’Keeffe, Chris Bibby and Brenton Dines for their matchday assistance. This Saturday we face Old Westbourne at 9.50am at the Garvey Oval in the final club Triple Header.