Reward for Effort
Taking on South Melbourne Districts at home on Saturday for Aquinas was all about Attitude and Respect. The 2’s setting the scene with their first win even added more motivation for the senior side, on top of that embarrassing performance last time against South Melbourne. Stand-in skipper Toomey lost the toss and Aquinas was forced to kick against a 3-4 goal breeze. The game got off to an even start before South Melbourne was able to grab the ascendancy and pile on 4 goals. Aquinas grabbed a little momentum back just before the break, kicking its third for the term into the breeze, but still trailed by 27 points at the first change.
At the break, coach Le Grand was not happy with the effort by the boys and let them know, telling them to get their hands on the footy first and run. The experienced trio of John Jess, Ben Farrell & Trent Harkin were moved into the middle and didn’t take long to show the rest how it should be done. Charging in and getting the footy, then feeding it off the run of McDonald & Mick Jess, Aquinas was starting to look dangerous. With Cormack and 2nd gamer Aloisio taking their opportunities, it didn’t take long for the margin to be pegged back. In fact, going into the break Aquinas was full of run and held an 8 point lead.
At the main change the boys were confident, but knew the next 30 minutes were critical to the game. The third quarter was not about kicking a big score; it was all about controlling the tempo and restricting South Melbourne, which is what Aquinas did. Unfortunately, we didn’t score, but we were able to stay in the game and were well in touch. Some great work in the quarter by the experienced backs of McPherson, both Flynns, Fawcus and Fringuelli gave Aquinas some real confidence going into the last break.
At the last change, the boys believed in themselves and knew they could make up the 14 point deficit if they stuck to the plan. Reminded of the hard work they had done on the track, Aquinas hit the ground running. With John Jess again leading by example and bringing brother Mick into the game, the margin was reduced very quickly. To South Melbourne’s credit, they didn’t lie down. They kept fighting and were able to get their noses in front again. Aquinas didn’t panic and again was able to answer with a long bomb from Sean Flynn which put Aquinas in front by 5 points with 5 minutes to go. Aquinas then played some terrific, disciplined one-on-one footy and were able to hold also thanks to a Leo Barry-type mark by Scott McPherson 30m out from South Melbourne’s goals with seconds remaining. A great team effort, This week is the greatest challenge for us, taking on the undefeated Glen Eira.
Last Modified on 04/07/2011 13:29