Outworked by North Adelaide in Round 17

A frustrating effort in our Round 17 clash with North Adelaide. To their credit they were desperate, out worked us in key moments at times of the game, were a lot more efficient in front of goals and deserved the win. The big disappointment out of the game is on a couple of accounts. The first was our turn overs in the 40-60m range in our forward end of the ground from some rushed and or poor decisions and that was then compounded by our effort to defend form the turnover. It is certainly hard to defend against a team that can hurt you with the ball when you are giving them opportunities like that, but to be then getting out worked from there is not something we are happy with.

A much better start to the game, we certainly felt like we had the game on our terms through the first period of the game, and while that is pleasing, we quickly allowed the game to become a bit of a turnover transition game. We often rushed with ball in hand and played into their hands to often and didn’t make the most of the forward half opportunities we had over the day. We had some really good moments and ball movement passages, finishing those off are areas that we continue to work on and will keep getting to stuck into. No question, our 2 goals 8 behinds to North Adelaide’s 9 goals straight is good evidence of that through the second half. Out of our last game our most pleasing aspect was our defensive intent and desperation. That wasn’t at that level on the weekend and will be the other big focus for us into this week and beyond. We know this is critical to us being the best version of ourselves and if we are doing that, we are more than capable of producing football to compete and beat who ever we play.

Our reserves group got back into some winning form after a down game the previous start. With some players returning from injury and illness as well as some more senior players looking to find some consistent form, the group was able to get back into playing a strong method of football that we are confident in. They were really strong in their defensive work and were able to move the ball with some strong efficiency for the most part. Really pleasing to see the groups form bounce back to where it has been for a long period.

We head into our last 2 rounds still in a strong position in the competition and confident in what we are capable of. A huge game against Central Districts this Saturday will have a big say in finishing in the top 3. A great opportunity for our group to get back into playing at a level we are able to for long periods. It is in our own hands and that is a good thing, and we look forward to getting stuck into it. Look forward to seeing all of our supporters at Elizabeth on Saturday.

Go The Bays

– Darren Reeves, Senior Coach

Goals: Reynolds (4), McBean, Allen, Curran, Holder, McGree, Window

Best Players: Reynolds, Bell, Proud, Stevens, Window