Reeva’s Match Wrap | Round 17

There are a number of ways to look at our Round 17 clash with North Adelaide, I have thought about it a fair bit from some reflection through the 24 hours after and probably a little different after reviewing the vision off the game reasonably closely since. While it wasn’t something I mentioned during the week or going into the game, I had some concerns on how our group had pulled up after the game against Woodville West Torrens the previous Sunday. We had some players that were really sore and heavy in the legs through the week and therefore didn’t train a lot with it being a shorter week into the game. We have learned over the last few years about what works best for our group in preparation, and this particular week wasn’t ideal, so with that in mind and the awareness that we didn’t play at a level we expect, it was a good win and an important 2-points that locks away a top 3 position with a couple of games remaining. There is also credit to the opposition in North Adelaide that played a really strong brand of footy that I’m sure they would take a fair bit out of.

We began the game flat, with some poor skill errors and turn overs that found ourselves behind in the game for the majority of the first-half. The challenge of the season is sometimes more a mental battle, and we felt that was the case. If you are slightly off in that space, the sharpness your thoughts and decisions often drops away, and we were in that place. That and the opposition getting after us, we were in a battle.

Following some good discussions at the break, our third quarter was a lot better and we created a lot of scoring opportunities that got us in front but probably not as much as we could have been. The energy that provided North Adelaide was evident for most part of the last quarter and we had to dig deep to get away with the win. What was pleasing was how we were able to close the game out in the last 4 or 5 minutes, our groups ability to set the ground up how we need, play the moment well and take time out of the game was pleasing to see. Good teams find a way to win when it isn’t going your way and credit to the players for that part.

Our Reserves group put together a really strong full-game effort to come away with a convincing win against another top 5 team. Really pleasing to watch was the intent and pressure that the group started and maintained throughout the game. They had the game on there terms from early on and never really let off. There is a real consistency in performance across the group, which is really pleasing considering the age of the group. They remain top of the table with 2 games left and in a strong position.

Our Round 18 clash against Port Adelaide is our final home game of the year. With some opportunity to get a full week of preparation in we look forward to the opportunity to continue to build on some areas of our game.  It will be great to have a strong crowd on hand in what should be a great contest.

Go the Bays

Best Players Round 17: 1. L Hosie 2. Luke Partington 3. Jonty Scharenberg 4. J Lyons 5. C McGree 6. C Gerloff

Darren Reeves

Senior Coach