League Match Wrap: Round 4

Winning at Richmond Oval is always hard, no matter where the teams sit or their recent form.

We started really well, and the planning we had put together to beat their fast play and fast start worked and we controlled the game.

Our connection inside 50 is still a work in progress and we missed opportunities to hit easy lead ups or open players, and therefore scoring opportunities.

In the 2^nd quarter, we missed 4 shots on goal in a row and cost ourselves a chance to put scoreboard pressure on West and set up a better lead at half time.

Defensively to that point, we were structured well and we were defending well – we just couldn’t capitalise on entries.

From there, it was West Adelaide who took over the game.

They controlled the ball more by foot – and handballed less. Their skills were better and their work rate was better.

The stoppages had been slightly in their favour in the 1^st half, although it wasn’t an issue – but in the 3^rd quarter it began to hurt us.

Even with reinforcements,  we couldn’t get ground position and against a breeze we had to move the ball from our back half all quarter.

We showed some fight at the start of the last to kick the first and second goal and challenge West, but at the end of the day, the more hungry team won.

We’ll roll up our sleeves and get to work, have open dialogue and get better.

We look forward to taking on the Eagles this week.

– Mark Stone, Senior Coach

Goal Kickers: Luke Reynolds (3), Liam McBean (2), Matt Merrett (1), Callum Park (1)