Coachy's Corner: Round 9, 2007

Hi everyone,

We entered the final round of the season against a very good side in Dumbalk at the 7:15pm slot. The Bullets welcomed back Dave Beattie for his second match this season.

In keeping with the on-field plans of the week before, we played some players in positions they hadn't played a lot in before, or at all. Dean played the whole game in the centre with his sister Narelle, Rob Hazell played the two halves in the forward line & Luke ventured into the backline for the first time. The team had a competitive half, we were down 45 to 36 at half time, & had played pretty well. Rob was dangerous up forward, taking marks & dishing off to Ruth who had kicked our three goals - all from good marks. It all started in the middle through Narelle & Dean who were getting plenty of the ball & using it well. Dean took to the new role like a duck to water, while Narelle just kept on winning kicks & handballs out of the middle & around the ground. David took a couple of marks up forward & was trying to run himself into a bit of form, from not playing for a few weeks. Luke & myself were finding life a bit difficult down back with particularly one opponent, but managed to win a bit of the ball. Ruth was on fire with her three majors & Narelle had had a good half.

As mentioned earlier, all players stayed in their positions for the second half, but we lost the game 106-49. I was very pleased with how the team were so competitive throughout most of the match against an amateur side. Every player did something. Luke & Dave both worked their way back into the game, Luke was given the run-around in defence but in the last half started to take marks by playing in front & winning kicks. Dave kicked two goals in the second half from strong marks & ended the match with four shots at goal, he was a good target for the side. Rob played well, his kicking again a feature, finding our forwards for most of their scores. Dean was terrific in the middle, working well with Rob & getting plenty of the footy, as was Narelle who continued her great form from the first half. She played her best game for the club. While Ruth slotted another goal for her fourth - the most any female has scored in one game for the Bullets.

Even though we were beaten, the position changes for players worked. We may have defeated any other non-amateur team on Tuesday & there were positives to end the season. So well done to all for the season & I'll be back in the new year for Coach's end of season review & player report cards.

Best Players: