Round 9 Match Review, 2022
Senior Men's Match Report
Brought to you by William Buck
Old Haileybury 13.19.97
Ajax 9.8.62
This week we travelled to Albert Park to play Ajax in a crucial game for both sides.
We both sat at 4-3 and this would be our last game before we have the weekend off next week.
Our opposition had been playing with great spirit and we expected the same as they had their first true home game for the year.
With the aid of a strong wind, they came out of the blocks early and at quarter time they were in front by 17 points.
We needed to use the wind correctly and take our opportunities in the second quarter, unfortunately we were unable to maximise our shots on goal kicking 4.10 but were still in front by 3 points at the long break.
The third quarter was going to prove crucial for both teams and for us to bang on 6 goals to 2 into the wind was outstanding.
Our ability to run and carry and use our speed was the main reason why the game was a good as over heading into the last break as we led by 26 points.
With a strong wind still at our back the aim was to continue and put a large gap on our opposition.
Although we were wasteful again in front of goal, we ended up with a victory of 35 points.
Super proud of the response of our group after Half Time under trying circumstances of what was thrown at us.
The leadership shown by Brodie Steele, Jack Munro, Pete Gleadhill and Lach Treverton in particular were very important in getting us across the line.
Our backline got better as they day wore on with Kye Turner and Will Gown doing well in the key defensive positions.
In the middle of the ground Gassy, Max Sievers, Lach Riley, Jesse Laity and Munners were crucial in driving the ball regularly into our forwards. The boys up front can still tidy up their finishing but gave us great targets with Duz, Jack Lonie and Nick Gooda the best at putting it through the big sticks.
We now have the weekend off and are sitting at 5 wins and 3 losses and 3rd position on the ladder.
Various players are now becoming available after injury to strengthen our team and we have 2 crucial games against 1st and 2nd on the ladder when we come back.
See you at the footy.
Go Bloods.
Senior Women's Match Report
Brought to you by Macmor Electrical Contractors
Old Haileybury 4.5.29
Beaumaris 8.5.53
The Hearts group put in a big week on the track in preparation for our home game against the undefeated Beaumaris side. The girls were excited to play on the main Princes Park oval for only our second time this year.
There was a very stiff breeze blowing to the Southern end of the ground and we knew that defending together was critical after they won the toss and elected to kick with it. Beauy had definitely come to play and put a goal on the board inside the first minute of the game. Our mids were working really well together in an attempt to nullify the opposition. Despite hard work from the Hearts, the efficiency from the Beaumaris group was very good and they went into the first break with a commanding 4 goal lead.
It was now our turn to use the breeze and our girls were keen to play some surge football. We managed to have repeat inside 40 entries and were soon able to capitalise with both Bella and Mim kicking great goals on the run. We were right back in it half way through the second quarter but despite our girls best effort we were unable to put another major on the board. We went into the main break 12 points down.
We knew that we had to defend in the third to stay within touch to give ourselves a chance. Beauy were able to use the breeze well and slammed on 3 more goals to be well poised, up by 32 points at ¾ time.
We went all out attack in the last quarter and were prepared to risk losing by a big margin in an attempt to win the game. It was great to see Ella Gown take a strong mark and kick her first ever goal to ignite the group early into the quarter. Lexi followed with another soon after and we were right back in it. Beauy did well to move the ball quickly and kick a goal into the breeze to put the result beyond doubt. The Hearts ran out the game strongly and never stopped trying but eventually went down by 24 points.
There are some good positives to come out of this game such as the overall effort shown by the group and the fact that our girls won the inside 40 count. The group go into the well earned break in a good spot, sitting 3rd on the ladder and we are all really looking forward to Spud’s match on Saturday June 18. We are hoping to get a good crowd down for this 2pm home game as it marks the most special day on the Hearts calendar all year.
Men's Reserves Match Report
Brought to you by Dandenong Bedshed
Old Haileybury 15.9.99
Ajax 7.2.44
Always nice when a plan comes together…..
Quarter one, we started kicking with a strong breeze and it took us a while to break through a pretty commited Ajax defence, it took us a while to get our bearings and adjust to what was a strong wind on their ground. Olly Sharpe was giving us first use of the ball in the ruck and dominating hit outs and Hoody took some strong marks when needed and Harry Whitty and Jordy Andrews were in everything. We kicked 3.4 and led by 20 pts at Quarter time so a solid start.
Against the wind in the second quarter the boys worked really hard to man up and slow progression of the ball, we were very disciplined and via our defence, led by Jim Paul we managed to win the quarter and extend the margin to 28 points at half time, this was a sign o real maturity from the boys and particularly young players like Lorenzo, Bainy, Cooper N and Jack who worked really hard with some experienced players we have to not only hold Ajax who had a strong breeze but to score ourselves. Rogo was great as was Jordy Hurley and Ari who rolled back to support the back line which was the plan, our forwards provided good pressure which helped.
Then third quarter the wind subsided a bit and it was a pretty even battle, we were able to score freely but in opening up the game we opened it up for them as well but as a side we have to get used to that, there is always a balance. Rogo went forward and Stuey Connolly moved onto a wing, the boys really did play under instruction in moving the ball to the topside and defending across the ground. We lead by 40 points at 3 quarter time. Jayce Morgan back playing his first game after a broken arm lead the way.
A great last quarter from the boys and we kept our discipline in what was, at times, challenging circumstances. The boys worked well against the wind and were able to extend the margin to 55 points at the end. It was a pleasing result for so many reasons, not the least of all was the return of Rogo and Jim from long term lay offs and the form of Jordy A, Jayce and Hoody. Harry Whitty was fantastic all day and was Olly Sharpe who again dominated the game. Really please for the boys who have stuck with it in some dark times and great to see Oaksey kick 4, Jordy and Joel playing well and enjoying footy!!
If you want more details go to https://websites.mygameday.app/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=125930196&c=0-3232-0-605574-0&pool=1
Under 19's Match Report
Brought to you by Bank of Queensland
Old Haileybury 4.4.28
University Blacks 14.14.98
The Young Bloods ventured out to Parkville to play Uni Blacks on Saturday and despite playing with plenty of spirit were unable to come away with the chocolates. It was a free-flowing game for much of the four quarters, but the extra height of the Blacks team caused problems. Defensively, the team was holding up quite well, but it was difficult for our boys to get any rhythm in their game in the windy conditions. With a few injuries to contend with in the last quarter, it was pleasing to see that the attitude on the ground remained positive and we continued to compete until the final bell. Bishy, Staba and Gillo all played well throughout the contest, while the “Iceman” Stefanakis performed well in his first game for the club.