Seniors

After a disappointing loss to Westbourne in Round 5, we hosted Therry, who after 2 loses, had won their last 3 games in a row. Our form has been patchy; however, we were hoping for some more run and direct play. The game commenced on a positive note with the some great movement through the midfield and strong marking up forward. Although we were indirect at times, a 4 goal to 1 first quarter was a great start.

The second quarter commences with further positive moves forward; however, we missed two opportunities to goal which later proved costly. Therry lifted their intensity and a 6 goal quarter to the visitors as opposed to an inaccurate 1 goal 5 behinds saw us trail by 8 points at the main change.

The third quarter was an even affair with the game both sides working hard to gain the upper hand. With both sides scoring 3 goals apiece, we again went into the final quarter 8 points down. Brett McAllister and Angelo Rendina worked tirelessly through the midfield and Chris Kandilakis showed excellent form after an injury interrupted pre-season.

The last quarter commenced with Parade scoring the first goal. Therry quickly replied to again extend the lead to 8 points. Both sides were working extremely hard and with another goal to Parade, the margin was back to 2 points. Therry again worked the ball forward with skill and precision and goal again. The ball travelled between both half back lines for the next 5 minutes with defences holding firm. Finally, 2 late goals to Therry, saw them run out winners by 22 points.

At 2 wins and 4 loses, we have struggled to really get our game going. With the greatest losing margin being 4 goals, we haven’t been far away; however, we have general played one very poor quarter that has been costly. In 3 of our 4 defeats, we have been outscored by 30 points in the second quarter. This is something we need to address. Although we were defeated on Saturday, there were positives signs in the way we played.

Our focus for the game vs Therry Penola was to maintain our 3rd position on the ladder and put a gap between ourselves and a possible challenger for the four.

The mood in the rooms before the game was very positive and the players appeared up for the game as Therry Penola games vs Old Paradians are keenly contested.

It was evident from early in the 1st quarter the players were intent on imposing themselves on the game with our numbers at the contest good, tackling was fierce and hard running resulting in the ball being delivered to the advantage of our forwards. This quarter resulting in 6 goals which is our best start for the season, so far.  

The 2nd quarter posed the question can we maintain our form and continue to place pressure on the opposition. An early goal showed our intent and the players were focused and up to the task. This quarter saw chasing, tackling, hard running, numbers at the contest all of a high standard and continually causing our opponents to turn the ball over. We went to the half time break having kicked 11goals to 2 goals.

The issue confronting the team in the 3rd quarter was can we continue to play with the level of intensity displayed in the 1st half. Our opponents certainly started this quarter with a different mindset and made us work harder for our goals. Although our intensity level appeared to have dropped a bit we still managed 4 goals to 1 goal for the quarter. We went to ¾ time break at 15 goals 10 behinds to 3 goals 2 behinds.

Having played 3 good quarters it was disappointing we could only manage 1 behind for the last quarter. But on the other hand up till ¾ time we had kept our opponents to 3 goals. To maintain the level we played at for ¾ quarters and continue it for a whole game is a learning process for the playing group and as the weeks go on I have no doubt we will be able to maintain a consistent level over 4 quarters.

Thank you to Jason Guerra and Mitch Fraser who after playing with the Thirds came and added their talents to the Reserves team.

Thank you to our 1st game Umpire Luciano DeBiase for his umpiring and control of our game.

The Third XVIII were unable to compete over four quarters with Fitzroy on Saturday, and suffered a sobering loss.
With an early kick off in a home Triple Header, OP’s were jumped in the first quarter by the free running and attacking Fitzroy and found themselves five goals down at the first break.
 A spirited second quarter saw Parade rally through Guerra and Fraser. With Bryce and Matrah working hard at the stoppages and centre bounces to provide possession to our midfielders, the momentum started to swing the home team’s way when Dintinosante and the restricted Tenson presented themselves in the front half and scored at crucial times.
Trailing by only 18 points at half time, OP’s were in with a real chance to take the game right up to the Lions, however injuries and an undermanned list saw the skilled Fitzroy gain the ascendency as they attacked efficiently through key forwards.
Going into Round 7 with a win-loss ratio of 2-4, we look forward to taking on UHS/VU at Brens Oval at 11.40am on Saturday.
Thanks to former club captain and key position Paradian Damian Bibby who officiated for us on Saturday.