Norwood too good for Tigers in Round 2

The great thing about the SANFL competition is if you don’t bring your A-game every week you will find yourself up against it – full credit to the Norwood Football club as they were too good for us on Friday night in both grades and deserved their wins. We take away some good learnings and a reminder we have a lot of work to do and that is exciting for our group both players and coaches.

We certainly understood the challenge ahead leading into the game and were pleased with how we had attacked training through the week. The first half of the game was a tough battle with some fierce work around contest from both teams as well as some entertaining ball movement. I think like us, Norwood would have felt they had missed a few opportunities over the first 60 minutes, and while we didn’t feel like the game was playing out how we wanted it to, it was pleasing to get to the main break on level terms.

The start of the 3^rd quarter was promising with the game being played in our forward half for the first 10 minutes or so, however we were not able to put it on the score board and as always the momentum shifts and the next 15 minutes ends up being the difference on the score board. From my perspective, the entire game felt like we were simply out worked contest to contest, we were not brave enough with the ball to challenge Norwood and ended up playing the game how they wanted us to play. The last quarter played out much the same and while we had some chances, the ability to bring repeat efforts for long periods wasn’t quite there. What we do know is our playing group learn quickly and we will get to work, improve in the areas we need to and be ready to go into this Saturday.

The Reserves game played out much the same with us not playing to the level in intensity and effort for large periods of the game. Pleasingly though they stuck at it and while they left their run too late, were certainly able to give themselves a chance late in the game. The consistency across the group wasn’t quite the same as we had seen in Round 1 but there were some strong performances from a few over the night. There continues to be a group of players that are knocking on the door for selection which is pleasing.

We head into Rd 3 against the Adelaide Crows back at Stratarama Stadium this Saturday at the traditional 2.10pm start time. What I can guarantee is a relentless and hungry playing will be taking the field in both grades. We look forward to seeing all our supporters at home again.

– Darren Reeves, Senior Coach

Goal kickers: Gould (2), Hosie (2), Bailey, Holder, Stagg

Best Players: Proud, Allen, Curran, Kitschke, Martini