On Saturday we travelled to Shark Park to take on Dodges Ferry. We as a side knew the importance that a win would guarantee second spot on the ladder and the double chance.
Kicking with a 3 to 4 goal breeze in the first quarter, we got off to a good start but inaccuracy in front of goals cost us and we only held a two goal advantage at quarter time. In the second quarter Dodges Ferry showed more desire and used the ball better than we did and they went into the main break with a 16 point lead.
If the Two Blues were unaware of what this game meant then they were well aware when they came back out for the second half and to our credit we kicked 9 unanswered goals in the third quarter. We eventually won the game by 45 points.
Leigh Proud was ever reliable up forward and his brother Trent was good, giving us a target to kick to when coming out of defence. Our big ruckmen in Matt Phillips and Josh McWilliams controlled the ruck contests giving a small’s first option which was capitalised by Justin Fielding gaining numerous possessions. Down in defence Shaun Haberfield held strong as usual and Andrew Clarke continually rebounded especially after a poor start to the game.
A special mention should also go to Simon McCarthy who sacrificed his own game to play a defensive game and do it well. This week we play the last roster match against the pacesetters, New Norfolk. This game should be a good contest if we can be discipline enough to stick to our structures and team plan, any deviation will cost us.
Looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Kaine Menzie