Division 1
The Warriors opened their season for 2010 against the Wests Magpies at Henson Park in near perfect conditions. With only a few unavailable a strong side was selected with an emphasis on youth showing through with only 3 players over the age of 25.
We started against the wind which was about a 2 goal breeze and whilst starting slowly it was evident this new look team in their new playing strip was going to take time to gel.
Patrick Sobb and Kev Jones in the ruck were getting their hands to the ball however we could not capitalise on this with regular inside 50s. Wests were doing a good job in shutting down our midfield clearances.
Our foot skills let us down early and it wasn't until Captain Dean Connors, who got a tag early, hit James Coburn laces out that we settled down and put some scoreboard pressure on.
Wests were a little more composed early and they jumped out to a 2 goal break by quarter time before extending that in the 2nd quarter to 5 goals.
The challenge had been put on the players and they responded extremely well in the 3rd quarter reducing the margin to 3 goals at the last break. We finally started to run and move the ball quickly ensuring our forwards had one on one opportunities.
Brett Harland and Jordan Bell, along with Carter Mullins and Donnie Ollington down back, really kicked started our mini comeback whilst Mick Twohig up forward was grabbing everything in sight.
Against the wind in the last quarter the coaches decided to roll the dice and started with Connors, Harland and Brad Moore on the ball in the hope of providing some strong run to continue our comeback.
Despite their best efforts the guys could not bridge the gap after our slow start in the first half and went down by 5 goals to an impressive Wests Magpies.
The Warriors now take on last years grand finalists East Coast Eagles at home this Saturday in a must win game to ensure we stay in touch with the top 5.
Best on Ground: Mick Twohig, Jordan Bell, Jack Basley, Patrick Sobb, Carter Mullins, Brad Moore
Division 3
Reserve Grade travelled to Gwawley Park for the first game of the season which is always a tough game with the Power having a significant home ground advantage.
The team was in good shape going into Round 1 with a convincing win in the last practice match and a number of players returning through the third grade team. A good sign for the club with two new players playing their first games and a couple of last years under 18’s playing their first senior games for the club.
The first quarter started well with the forward line working well together which was reflected on the scoreboard and the backline stopping many of the Sharks movement forward. At quarter time the team had the advantage with a two goal lead.
Starting the second quarter the team was down to 21 with Geoff Clarke sustaining a hamstring injury. The second quarter saw the Sharks come back into the game from some skill errors across the team. The two goal lead had been reduced to one goal at the half time break.
Starting the third quarter the team was down to one on the bench with Daniel Ranson and Matt Scoular both sustaining injuries during the second quarter. With one on the bench the second half was going to be tough with the unseasonal April heat. The third quarter started similar to the first with the team gaining ascendancy across each line and this was reflected on the scoreboard with the team going into the third quarter break with a four goal lead.
In the last quarter the team showed great determination to withstand many of the Sharks advances forward with the heat taking its toll with a few players succumbing to cramp. At the final siren it was a well deserved victory winning by three goals.
Best on Ground: Cameron Poole, Ben Chapman, James Seabrook, Peter Grzic, Darryn Avery, Simon Lawrenson
Division 4 - Warriors
Season 2010 started off with a trip to Gwawley Park to take on the Southern Power. The Power are new to the competition this season and so we were not completely sure what to expect.
The First quarter started off with all the boys attacking the footy with vigor and showing the immense enthusiasm which had been bottled up over the pre-season. Everyone worked together beautifully especially through the middle of the ground, where some well orchestrated running plays allowed us to move the ball quickly into the forward. With Hobby providing a monstrous presence at centre half forward and Stumpy leading hard from the square, we were able to put our stamp on the game early, setting up a four goal buffer at quarter time.
The second quarter started in much the same fashion as the first, with Dave drifting into the forward line to slot his first goal in Macquarie colours. But as the quarter wore on the Power defence started to lift and made life tougher for our forward line. With the game starting to be played on more even terms, our back line stepped up, with Timmy Lawson and Storky providing plenty of rebound out of defense and providing plenty of quality ball further up the ground. At half time the margin was a healthy 42 points.
In the second half, the Warriors were keen to pick up where they left off in the first, and right from the start of the third term we peppered the goals, with Slime and Rusty finding plenty of footy out on the flanks. If not for some inaccurate kicking (we kicked 2.8 for the quarter) the scoreline could have been a lot uglier for the home side. A positive was the forward lines ability to lock the ball in and continue to apply pressure although immense crowding did make scoring goals difficult. To the credit of the backline, they kept the Power scoreless in the third term, and at the last change we were ahead by more than 10 goals.
The last term was another hard fought quarter football which saw the Warriors continue the attacking brand of football that they had played all day. With the Power also pressing hard at times though, the backline again stayed resolute to keep the Power goalless for the second straight quarter, a great effort. Hobby managed to slot his third goal in a great come back performance and everyone continued to work hard right until the final siren. The final score was Macquarie 12.18.90 vs Southern Power 2.5.17
Overall, a fantastic start to the new season. The first quarter really set the tone for the rest of the day and once we got ahead we did not give them a sniff. Once again great work boys, things are looking positive for 2010!
Best on Ground: Slime, Rusty, Timmy Lawson, Hobby, Jockey, Storky
Division 4 - Kookas
On Saturday, 19 Kookas arrived dressed in the clubs new uniform at Pioneers Park, eager to hit the deck for the first round clash against the Saints. Kickoff was scheduled for midday on what was shaping up to be a very hot autumn day - conditions that would prove tough without a full interchange and water boys.
The match got underway with the Kookas fielding a side of 20 players, of which, ten were first time players and one was stand-in Saints recruit Steven “Dunks” Duncly. With such an inexperienced team the Kookas were the clear underdogs facing a well drilled team of experienced footballers.
Kenty got up high in the ruck and won most of taps however fast turnovers and some poor match ups resulted in several goals for the Saints. To strengthen defence Party was moved from on ball to CHB with the clear message to tag Croc and he didn’t disappoint. Soon after the Kookas had their first injury with centre Grant James heading to the bench with a cork. Gammatron came off the bench halfway through the first period and took to the ruck landing each tap in the hands of Burnsy who with fast pace fired the ball deep into the forward line resulting in three quick goals for Macquarie in five minutes.
Although it seemed that the Kookas were gaining momentum heading into the break, it was evident that lack of interchange and the heat was starting to drain the energy levels of the players already.
In the second, the backline of Woodsy, Palmer and Goldy had their work cut out with the ball spending 80 percent of the game in our defensive fifty. Each of the boys were doing as asked, spoiling many marks with strong punches. On the kick outs Goldy was moving the ball and picking the options well. Ruck rover Burnsy also started to shine in this quarter as a real work horse for the team getting to every stoppage and taking many possessions.
Down by 13 goals, at the half time break, the boys were reminded to stick on their man, to be accountable and aim to be first to the ball.
After the half time break, through Jordie who was having a good game on the wing the ball was passed to Jacob Skelly who with a lot of courage covered about 35 metered from the flank with three bounces before the lack of talk had him toweled up a short kick from goal. Gammatron true to form started laying the big hits, one of which resulted in a play being halted as a Saints player was carried from the ground. Kenty came through with a notable goal firing it through from inside the centre square. Adrian De Booy was also starting to find his feet, taking a few good marks and fighting hard for the ball on the HBF.
Heading into the fourth the day’s battle was starting to take a toll on players as a few injuries being recorded. Coshie was looking fresh at CHB defending well taking strong marks and hitting the ball well. Michael Boulton also found himself working well in defensive hotspot continually turning over the ball clearing it from danger.
Best on Ground: Eamon Byrnes, Gareth Hood, Cameron Lydster, Luke Cosica, Luke Gemmill
U18 Challenge Cup
Forfeit
Best on Ground: NA
Last Modified on 12/04/2010 14:35