Old Trinity began their 2009 campaign successfully with an
eleven goal win against Old Haileybury. All the players are to be commended for
their attitude and effort throughout the game. We need to make sure we prepare
ourselves for the next big challenge which is Old Melburnians on Anzac Day at
Football World.
The first quarter began in text book style with the first
centre clearance and a goal from kidnap victim
Tom Eckersley. The
rest of the quarter was similar to an arm wrestle with both sides sharing
possession of the ball. Joel Aitken
enjoyed the freedom he was being given across half forward. Cam Stockdale, Ben Weissenfeld and
Tim Delphine
were exceptional in defence and repelled a number of Old Haileybury forays
forward. At quarter time Old Trinity held a two goal lead.
The second quarter began with a noticeable lack of
intensity. Old Haileybury took advantage of this and controlled play for the
first ten minutes of the quarter. Luckily (for Old Trinity) a number of their
set shots were wide of the target. After a number messages from Ben "Number One runner in the
VAFA" Hall, the onballers lifted their intensity and became more
accountable.
Will
Bowman began to have an impact on the wing and Jeremy "Ladies Man" Best was
providing a leading target across half forward. A late goal to
Riley McDonald
saw Old Trinity increase their lead to four goals at the main break.
Fergus Stewart
was replaced in the ruck by
Riley McDonald at the beginning of the third term
and
Tom
Oldfield was moved from full back to full forward. By
using the Kevin Sheedy model from
the 1984 Grand Final, I was sure that there would be immediate rewards. The
impact of the changes didn't happen straight away however as the quarter
continued both players began to put their stamp on the game. In a very tightly
contested third term Old Trinity managed to keep possession of the ball and
frustrate their opposition.
Alex Hooke and Chris Pawsey were working well together thwarting opposition
forward thrusts. A late goal to Ed
Morrison saw Old Trinity's lead increase to over five goals for the first
time for the game.
The final quarter saw Old Trinity kick eight goals which is
our best return in a quarter for many years.
Tom Eckersley and Joel Aitken were dangerous kicking five
goals between them. Jeremy Best
chipped in with a contender for "sleaziest" goal of the year. He was
rewarded with a smack on the lip by his opponent and was "blood
binned" shortly afterwards. Ben
Chan finished off strongly after a slow start and will be looking forward
to getting back on his favourite ground on Anzac Day.
There are still plenty of things to work on but the signs
were positive. Can't wait for Round Two!
