Our first game was against the home team Henley with very wet and cold conditions confronting both teams. The first quarter was an arm wrestle with a lot of stoppages and congested play, we were able to win the inside 50 count 11-4 but we were unable to hit the scoreboard to put any pressure on Henley. The home team on the other hand only had 4 inside 50 entries but were able to kick four goals with some very clean ball movement and dangerous deep entries which gave them a very strong lead at the first break.
As the game went on Henley were harder for longer at the contest and were cleaner with their ball movement. PAC battled the game out but were given a lesson on how to play wet weather football in a very disappointing loss and start to the day.
Our second game was against Adelaide High with the boys very keen to respond to the first game. The bad weather had really set in and the main focus for the players was to be strong over the ground ball and look to surge the ball forward to gain field position.
The first half was a very scrappy affair with the rain really coming down and both teams looking to get the ball moving forward. Adelaide were able to play the game for longer inside their forward half and held a small lead going into the third quarter. Unfortunately the boys couldn't sustain their effort and intent in the second half and Adelaide were able to kick away to a victory.
Overall, it was a very frustrating and disappointing day for the boys but in all games of football you must learn and look at why these performances can happen. The main message given to the boys after the two games was focused around firstly coming to play with the right mindset to play in all conditions wet and dry, secondly the ability to be clean at ground level and to win your individual battle especially when your being challenged.
Special mention to Oscar Finnis who lead the way as a Year 8 player in both games with his aggression at both the body and ball. Gill Wakelin another Year 8 player who had an impact both forward and back. Louie Montgomery battled hard and Wil Prescott who just started at the school had some good moments.
In the end football is a team game and we had too many players down on their normal output and we were outworked by two better teams on the day. It was a great learning experience for all the players but especially the Year 8 boys as they will be able to play in the Statewide Knockout competition again in 2022.
Matthew Slade
Director of Football
