After a lengthy break and various interruptions, the game against Donvale was one that we’d be preparing for over a number of weeks. Add to that, the inclusion of Mitch Mellis back from Eastern Ranges provided us even more confidence to execute and achieve our team goals.
We got off to a flyer in the first quarter through dominance in the midfield. Benny Anderson had his work cut out for him in the ruck and through the support of the 3 Mellis brothers and Harry, he found a way to beat his opponent all over the ground. Effective use out of the middle, including great run down the wings from Ryan, Sammy Fung, Johnny and Jimmy, gave our forwards ample opportunity to capitalise – 18 inside 50 entries in fact! The quarter time break saw us 7.1.43 to a scoreless opposition.
The key to our second quarter was to not get ahead of ourselves and to ensure we maintained the same disciplined approach. The backline remained patient and rock solid. Linking up and rebounding the footy was something we focused on and executed well through the likes of Will, Sturds, Lee Fletcher, Hammer, Hoff, Dos and Milky, who made a welcomed return from injury. The pattern of quick scoring seemed to slow down, although the ball movement and pressure were maintained. Bakes continued to be dangerous up forward and was well supported by Connor, Muels, Brody and Tuna. Notley also managed to get on the train ride as he started to prove why he is a dangerous forward. A late move saw Hoff go forward – never have you seen a young footballer with such a bounce in his step! At half time, Donvale managed only 2 behinds with the wind and the lead increased 57 points.
The feeling was good at half time and the team seemed to be maintaining focus. We set ourselves some targets for the third quarter to ensure we kept progressing our game. Hoff remained up forward and the rest of the team built on the first half dominance. Ben Anderson and Mitch Mellis stepped up their game and combined with those around them to explode the ball forward an outstanding 22 times. With 7 more goals added to the scoreboard and another scoreless quarter from the opposition, the lead was now 104 points at 3 quarter time.
The coaches had a chat about maintaining consistency in our approach to achieve a four quarter performance versus the opportunity to develop players in some new positions. We agreed to make a few changes, including Bakes into the midfield, J Mellis to CHF, Jimmy moving down back and Milky up forward. Unfortunately, we didn’t apply the same discipline and allowed Donvale to move the ball forward with more ease. We learnt quickly after the game about remaining structured for 4 quarters and maintaining effective communication. To the opposition’s credit, they scored a couple of goals and outscored us for the quarter. Nonetheless, hard work early pays off and we enjoyed the 90 point win.
A big effort on the track is required by all players this week. With the potential for 5 players to return for our game against Sth Belgrave, the pressure for selection is on!
@boroniahawks U19’s Scoreboard – presented by Lipari Pizza and TJ’s on Main
Boronia 17.11 113 d Donvale 2.8 20
Goal Kickers: H. Fewson 3, K. Notley 3, J. Mueller 2, J. Gardiner-Hoffman 2, J. Baker 2, B. Aughterson, W. Morrison, M. Mellis, S. Fung, R. Williams
Best Players: M. Mellis, B. Anderson, J. Gardiner-Hoffman, S. Fung, J. Mellis, K. Notley