Reeva’s Match Wrap | Round 14

I have spent a little bit of time thinking about our Round 14 clash with South Adelaide without watching it back to closely as I would have normally by this point. I will certainly do that over the next few days; but, one of my key takeaways right now is I’m proud off our group for finding a way to win from the hole we had found ourselves in.

Like everyone, I would love for us to be dominant, put distance in games early, and then enjoy what it looks like. But, it is easy to forget how competitive the league is, there are many good teams capable of winning games of football. In a long season, it is easy to forget how challenging – mentally and physically – some days will be, especially when you are not quite at your best, or when what you try doesn’t go as planned. When those things come together, like they did on Saturday, it is all about finding the way to get the result. 

I always talk about learning; and a big lesson out of this one, for me, is to really enjoy good outcomes and not get lost or bogged down in that we didn’t play as well as we can. It was a bloody good win and credit to South Adelaide for the way they went about the contest.

We felt we started the game sharp and looked on early in the game, it became a battle for us from about the 15-minute mark of the first quarter. We were a little untidy with the ball and with some decisions at times, we were not quite at a level with our defensive intent and felt like we were getting out-worked in most areas. As mentioned already some days it just doesn’t work, and Saturday was one of those. We were all a little frustrated but what I admire about our group, players and coaches, is that we are able to stay composed and connected through these times. We have seen it a bit through last season and a few times this year where we are challenged and its about finding solutions and things that can turn it around. That for us on this occasion was getting speed on the ball and allowing energy to flow from that. The players were fantastic in the last quarter to execute in this area and put us in a winning position in pretty quick time. From a coaching perspective we were also really happy with our last 5 minutes – our ability to close the game down with repeat stoppages and good discipline. There have been and will be again times where we need to do this, and this was a good example for us to refer back to as we progress deeper into the season.

A big highlight on the day was the result for our Reserves group. In a top of the table clash our young group were challenged by the opposition, by some injuries and were also able to find a way to win a close contest. We are pleased with a lot of what we are seeing in the group, with some young players getting better and better each week and a few more experienced players playing really strong, consistent football. It was a great win and leaves the group sitting on top of the table in a good position as we head into the last four rounds.

We head into a bye this week, which is a great opportunity for everyone to take a few days to get some mental and physical recovery in. The players will get some time away from the club, with some sessions to do in their own time, before we get stuck back into our work and ready for Woodville West Torrens on Sunday week. We are pleased with where we are at, we will see a couple of key players ready to go over the next week or two and we can’t wait to get stuck into the next step. Once again thank you to all of our fantastic supporters that turn up and get behind us week after week. The best time of the year to be playing football is ahead and we look forward to seeing you all there with us.

Go the Bays

Best Players Round 14: 1. L Hosie 2. L McBean 3. L Reynolds 4. M Proud 5. L Partington 6. R Holder

Darren Reeves

SENIOR COACH