It was always going to be a challenge with only 18 fit players up against Ormond’s only U19 side on their turf. Plus it was 25 degrees so no interchange for the midfield.
We lost Full Back Jake Miller and CHB, Jack (Jabber) Lawless in the first quarter. Jake broke his arm in a horrible accident and was rushed off to hospital by his dad and co-coach Simon. Jabber may have a broken thumb so took no further part in the match.
All things considered we held up well holding them to 2 goals and converting through Hopkins who kicked truly after receiving a brilliant pass from acting captain Luke Thomas.
Sam Lanigan was holding up the dam wall at Full Back with solid support from Kingy, McCarthy, Barnett and Nikitas. Half Time saw us 4 goals behind.
At half-time the focus was on keeping them honest with pressure acts. Fierce tackling led by McNidder, McLean, BJ, Duncan and Kelliher in the midfield was outstanding but with only 4 forwards it was almost impossible to get through the Ormond defence. The highlight of the 3rd term was an unbelievable goal by Torey-Toth (JT) who was dominated in the ruck. After winning the ball out of the middle he followed up by winning the loose ball at half forward and kicking truly on the run. His performance was inspirational all day.
8 goals down at 3/4 time and we lose Kelliher to an ankle and Nikitas to a head knock! Down to 14 and the boys could be excused for throwing in the towel but they battled on manfully conceding only 6 goals while kicking 2 more of our own. Martinz (Tinz) was crook but managed to hit the scoreboard and in the play of the day, Ganavas takes a hanger at Full Back, kicks long to a running McLean who kicks long to a vacant forward line. Harry Hopkins gets there first and kicks a Daicos special from a tight angle…brilliant!
Yes we lost by 12 goals but the effort could not be questioned. It was a character building performance and we look forward to taking them on again later in the year with a full squad.
Our thoughts go out to Jake Miller who is having his arm operated on today.
Result: 5.8.38 v Ormond 17.15.117
Best: McNidder, Thomas, Torey-Toth, Kelliher, Lanigan, McLean
