Seniors

Round 7 saw Parade play host to St. Mary’s Salesian whose form to this stage was similar to our own. Both sides previously had opportunities to win a number of encounters; however, neither had been able to consistently ‘get over the line’.

With rain throughout the week, the centre square was muddy and this made it difficult for both teams to gain the ascendance from the middle. The first 10 minutes was a scrappy affair with neither side taking control. Although we kicked 2 goals in the middle of the quarter, St. Marys’ replied late in what could only be described as a lacklustre performance.

Parade played with more purpose in the second quarter with David Spithill pushing forward to kick the first goal at the 2 minute mark. With 3 further goals to Parade and 2 to the visitors, we went into the main break with a 15 point lead. Although there was only 15 points the difference, I thought we controlled most of the second quarter

The first 15 minutes of the third quarter saw Parade control the game with little reward on the scoreboard. A goal to Pete Brabender was Parade extend our lead to 21 points; however, a couple of minor scores would latter prove to be costly as St. Mary’s who’d kicked a goal early in this term, followed with 3 goals in 5 minutes that saw them take control and the momentum into the last quarter.

Although we went into the final quarter only 2 points down, St. Mary’s approach was far more positive than ours. Their dominant forward, Harmit Singh kicked their opening, and although Parade’s rover Angelo Rendina snapped a goal for a quick reply, St. Mary’s were dominating around the ball and providing their forwards with plenty of opportunities. Singh kicked another 2 goals for the quarter to finish with 7 goals for the day and a best on ground performance. Parade kicked to late goals; however, the game was well and truly over with St. Mary’s victorious by 14 points.

The game vs St Marys Salesian’s was a test as to whether we could play at the level we had produced in previous games. It is some times difficult for players to get themselves up when their opponent is much lower on the ladder. Our aim pre-game was to play at the level of previous games and not lower our standards. In essence that’s what makes a good team.

We again started well with a five goal 1st quarter but the pleasing aspect of this quarter was keeping our opponents scoreless. No matter who you play keeping an opponent scoreless is a credit to a committed team’s mindset.

In this game we also needed to be able to play out four quarters, which we failed to do in our previous game, and to all player’s credit that was achieved with six goals kicked in the 2nd quarter, four goals in the 3rd quarter and four goals in the last quarter. To win by over a 100 pts also showed we can play at a consistent level for all the game.

Over the past few games we have learnt to improve both individually and as a team and from a coaching perspective that is very pleasing.

This game also saw the return of Josh Lidyard, Trav Girovski and Matt Derham from illness and injury. All got through the game and were good contributors to our win. We currently sit equal second on the ladder and this week play Banyule who are also equal second. Despite what we have achieved so far we will learn a lot about ourselves, in a game where the winner will be in outright second spot.

The Third XVIII had their biggest win for the season, with a 59 point defeat over the lowly placed UHS/VU at Brens Oval, Parkville. Going into the clash a little undersized, our two main talls in Nick Bryce and Michael Matrah really stood up and controlled the game for the on-ball brigade. Both Bryce and Matrah rucked hard while following and went forward when required, to kick five goals between them.

Matrah took a spectacular one-handed mark in the second term and converted to stamp his presence on the game. Year 12 student Steven O’Keeffe and winger Adrian Palmieri linked up often through the midfield and both found the goals with long, accurate kicking. The Raiders were well served by ten goalkickers for the day. Swingshift player Brenton Dines showed his appetite for destruction at both ends of the ground, with his two goals complementing solid defence in the first half.

Veteran Luke Harford made an excellent return to the game and really gave the team a steady head and silky skills with regularity. Going into Round 8 with a win-loss ratio of 3-4, we look forward to taking on NOBS/St.Pats at the Garvey this Saturday at 11.40am. Thanks to former OP utility Anthony ‘Peyts’ Peyton for running the boundary for us and to Chris and Charlie Bibby for their continued support with match day assistance. All three enjoyed belting out the ‘Yarrangabee’ with the team.