Coachy's Corner: Round 5, 2007

Hi everyone,

The team was facing a very tough challenge this week against last year's premier, Our Boys Don't Run at 8pm. The side welcomed back for the first time this season, Rob Rizzo, David Beattie and Deb Murray. We also welcomed Ruth Hannan for her first game for the club. The Bullets had won their past three games in our best ever start to a season before the Cup Week break, so we had a bit of confidence going in.

The game was alight at the opening bounce, with Luke palming it down to a waiting Narelle, who cleverly ran forward and passed to Dave, who was playing in the forward line, and saw him take the first mark for the evening. He missed his shot for goal, but it was very pleasing to see him have an impact early on. Ruth Hannan then came on to the ground and also had an impact taking her first mark. Rob Hazell, Deb & Rob Rizzo all started down back but were swamped with the amount of footy coming in to the OBDR forward line. They held their own against good opposition. Luke played a good half, as did Narelle & Deb, who shared midfield/backline roles for half the quarter each. Dave played a fantastic quarter taking five or six marks and kicking his first goal for the club, as did Ruth, who got crunched in a marking contest, but managed to get up and kick her first goal for our club and take another couple of marks leading out. The Bullets scored 17 points for the half and were a fair way behind OBDR (43-17). Dave & Ruth had one goal each.

The second half wasn't great for the team with OBDR continuing were they left off and defeating the Bullets by 60 points. Luke was a consistent player in the middle, getting his hands on the footy, Narelle played a good game, either in the centre or down back where she kicked well to teammates in the second half. Deb was lively sharing her midfield/back roles with Narelle and will be better for the run. Rob R had a better second half, taking a few marks and winning some kicks, as did Rob H, driving the ball out of defence. Dave played a fantastic game, leading out, taking strong marks and having four shots at goal. He contested a lot of footy and may have tired a little, but kept at it the whole match. Ruth was also terrific kicking two goals and competing hard after getting crunched by opponents in each half which for a non-contact game, is not good enough.

The loss was a biggie, but we'll be back next week. The pleasing side was the performances of a few of our players and the fact we never gave up against last year's premier.

Best Players: Luke, Dave, Ruth, Narelle, Rob H