Seniors

Round 2 saw Parade play it’s first home game for the 2010 season as host to Emmaus. Emmaus had been competitive in Division 1 in 2009; however, found themselves back in Division 2 for 2010. With a solid win in round 1, they were certainly going to be a tough opponent for our players. After a disappointing opening game, we were keen to improve our intensity around the ball and make the game a ‘real’ contest.

Kicking with the aid of a 2 goal breeze, we kicked 5 of the first 6 goals of the game in the first 20 minutes of the quarter. Although we had control of the game, Emmaus hit back hard in the later part of the first stanza to kick 3 goals in 4 minutes to even the game up at the first change.

The second quarter was a lacklustre affair with both sides committing fundamental mistakes and wasting many opportunities. Emmaus managed 2 goals, whilst we failed to record a major.

Throughout the main break, we spoke about an improved level of intensity from round one; however, we often lacked purpose when going forward with skill errors proving costly. We thought if we could be more direct with our movement into the forward line, then we could kick a winning score.

The third quarter saw us increase our intensity once again, and this, coupled with some excellent work from Allan Young on the wing enabled us to take control of the game. Better use of the ball through the midfield and intelligent work up forward saw us kick 6 goals to 1 to take a 28 point lead at the final change.

Three goals apiece in the final term saw us notch up our first win for 2010.

With our first home game, we were mindful playing on ANZAC Day eve that we needed to invoke the inspiration that our soldiers showed when giving their lives to enable us to have the freedom we now enjoy. We had the pre-game theme, Our ground is our fortress, and we hoped we would display the courage, character and determination of the ANZAC’s in our play.

We started slowly and took sometime to show we could team together. Warren Jeffery, Mitch Fraser and David Daniele all played their first games in the Reserves and some of their early attacks on the ball got the team up and going. Playing with an open forward area with one forward in the goal square was creating issues for our opponents. We went to ¼ time leading by 7pts.

Our team was taller and physically better equipped and this started to tell during the second quarter as we continually tackled and smothered their attempts to play through the corridor thus forcing turnovers. On ballers and midfielders were continually winning the ball and giving our forwards plenty of opportunities. At ½ time we lead by 31pts.

Kicking against the wind in the 3rd quarter we were prepared for Emmaus , having the wind, to really attack and put pressure on us but to the players credit we took control and kicked 5goals to 2goals. This quarter showed a lift in player intensity and a willingness to run and carry the ball deep into the forward area. 51 pt lead at ¾ time.

The last quarter was tough for us to score, given a lift in intensity by Emmaus, but we worked hard and were eventually rewarded with a couple of late goals. We won the game by 61pts. It was a special win given that we aimed to honour our ANZAC’s.

The game unfortunately had one lowlight with debutant Warren Jeffery sustaining a serious finger injury and taking no part in the game from early in the 1st quarter. We wish him well with his surgery and look forward to his return.

The Anzac weekend saw the Third XVIII register an emphatic first win over Old Carey.
Going into the clash at Bulleen with several new players, we attacked ferociously from the first bounce to kick five goals in the opening term, due to an open forward structure and fast, free-flowing football. Brett Dintinosante registered three majors in the term to help set up an early quarter time lead.
Kicking against the breeze in the second quarter, OP’s defended solidly against an opposition who were keen to peg back the lead. With solid defence from Gentile, Tenson, Dines and Kappos we went into the main break 9 point leaders.
The intensity of the first half continued through the third term as we were well served by prime movers Lucas, O’Keeffe, Guerra ,  Spinoso and Samie.
Going into the final change with a 6 point lead, OP’s were desperate to hold onto the lead they had worked so hard for over three quarters and didn’t let themselves or their supporters down.
With Varalla working hard all day in the Ruck and Dintinosante finishing with 5 goals, OP’s hung on in a nail biter to win by 3 points over B section club Old Carey.
On a weekend when we reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served, the commitment and efforts of all Third XVIII players on Saturday truly epitomised that ‘never give up’ spirit! A great result!      
Thanks to several players and supporters, who assisted with match day roles.
We look forward to next Saturday as we take on Williamstown CYMS at the Garvey Oval at 11.40 am.