Two games past the midway mark of the season see’s the A Grade sitting 5th on the ladder with 5 wins and 6 losses. One game clear of 6th spot and with an equal number of wins with 4th. Looking over the first half of our season and the rest of the competition you could say we have just under preformed. I’m confident there is room for improvement leading into the second half of the year.
There have been three games that were more than winnable & had we won these game we would be right in the mix at the top of the ladder.
- SMOSH – a loss by 3 points at our boggy home ground SHC Main Oval, where we had our chances to win the game in the last quarter.
- Walkerville – a loss by 13 points, where again we peppered the score board in the last quarter, &
- PAC – a loss by 10 points. Other than the first 10 minutes of the last quarter, PAC was one of the best performances we have put forward so far. In wet conditions we controlled the game all day and went into 3 quarter time up by two goals. Unfortunately PAC kicked four goals in 5 mins to put us away.
We were clearly out classed by the two ladder leaders in Payneham & Scotch OC. These two teams played off in last year’s D3 grand final. It was clear these 2 teams have played plenty of footy together and know their team mates & team structures very well. In saying this we have had 6-8 new players from last year’s side come into our A Grade this year. Therefore with more games spent with each other by the end of the season, and with a full list of players to choose from, I give us ever chance to match it with these ladder leaders come the business end of the season. Can’t wait to meet Scotch at Scotch this week.
As for our 5 wins so far they have come against
- Gepps Cross (twice) with the second only a few weeks back being our biggest win for the season (8 goals) – it was an outstanding result
- Slow starters to the season PHOS, by 9 points
- Broadview by one straight goal at Thebby and
- A come from behind win over Flinders Pk, by 2 points.
The Flinders Pk game at Glenelg Oval was the turning point for the playing group. Trailing by 7 goals at quarter time we were on our knees and the doors were closing on any chance of playing finals footy. Changing Juniper into defence as a loose man was a game changer and an even contribution from all other players for the final 3 quarters saw us get up by 2 points. I must admit the noise and support coming from the Glenelg Cricket Club on our SHOC sponsors day was also a big factor in the win. Thanks to all who attended and the ongoing support of this great club.
As for some stand out players to date, I have been more than happy with our two new captains’ – Jarred Shattock and Matt Delminico. Jarred’s natural leadership and attack at the ball and PLAYER!! sets the standard for the rest of the playing group. Matt “Mr Consistent” has had his best season so far at the club and was rewarded with State selection to take on WA in Perth a few weeks back. Well done Matt. Another player I believe playing his best footy I have seen him play is our CHB Jimmy Doyle. Like a good bottle of red, he is getting better with age. As for some improving young talent that have impressed in the last month after forcing their way into the A Grade team, Flavel, Redden and Carcuro have all showed they belong at the level and are very quickly cementing their spots.
We the coaches & the playing group are looking forward to the second half of this season. We truly believe with a bit more consistency and an even spread from all 21 that take the field each week we can continue to aim to play finals footy. From there with a full list to choose from, some good luck and some good form anything can happen.
Thank you to all that have supported us to date, stay on board & hope to see you at Scotch this week as we challenge the ladders leaders.
Adam “Spud” Marling – Senior Coach
Jul 4 2014
A Grade 2014 Mid-Season Review
Two games past the midway mark of the season see’s the A Grade sitting 5th on the ladder with 5 wins and 6 losses. One game clear of 6th spot and with an equal number of wins with 4th. Looking over the first half of our season and the rest of the competition you could say we have just under preformed. I’m confident there is room for improvement leading into the second half of the year.
There have been three games that were more than winnable & had we won these game we would be right in the mix at the top of the ladder.
We were clearly out classed by the two ladder leaders in Payneham & Scotch OC. These two teams played off in last year’s D3 grand final. It was clear these 2 teams have played plenty of footy together and know their team mates & team structures very well. In saying this we have had 6-8 new players from last year’s side come into our A Grade this year. Therefore with more games spent with each other by the end of the season, and with a full list of players to choose from, I give us ever chance to match it with these ladder leaders come the business end of the season. Can’t wait to meet Scotch at Scotch this week.
As for our 5 wins so far they have come against
The Flinders Pk game at Glenelg Oval was the turning point for the playing group. Trailing by 7 goals at quarter time we were on our knees and the doors were closing on any chance of playing finals footy. Changing Juniper into defence as a loose man was a game changer and an even contribution from all other players for the final 3 quarters saw us get up by 2 points. I must admit the noise and support coming from the Glenelg Cricket Club on our SHOC sponsors day was also a big factor in the win. Thanks to all who attended and the ongoing support of this great club.
As for some stand out players to date, I have been more than happy with our two new captains’ – Jarred Shattock and Matt Delminico. Jarred’s natural leadership and attack at the ball and PLAYER!! sets the standard for the rest of the playing group. Matt “Mr Consistent” has had his best season so far at the club and was rewarded with State selection to take on WA in Perth a few weeks back. Well done Matt. Another player I believe playing his best footy I have seen him play is our CHB Jimmy Doyle. Like a good bottle of red, he is getting better with age. As for some improving young talent that have impressed in the last month after forcing their way into the A Grade team, Flavel, Redden and Carcuro have all showed they belong at the level and are very quickly cementing their spots.
We the coaches & the playing group are looking forward to the second half of this season. We truly believe with a bit more consistency and an even spread from all 21 that take the field each week we can continue to aim to play finals footy. From there with a full list to choose from, some good luck and some good form anything can happen.
Thank you to all that have supported us to date, stay on board & hope to see you at Scotch this week as we challenge the ladders leaders.
Adam “Spud” Marling – Senior Coach