Coachy's Corner: 2011 Corporate Games

Hi everyone,

On Saturday 26th November, the Bullets ventured down to Albert Park for our third Australian Corporate Games. Finishing second last year, plus runners up in the regular season, there was a quiet air of confidence amongst our team...

Our Squad:
Andrew Merryweather
Dean Jones
Jess Gardner
Josh Pitts
Luke Barisic
Olivia Crowe
Renee Tsongas
Rob Hazell
Warren Burford

Jess Gardner made her debut for the club from rivals Mattel, while Josh once again returned to the team.

Game 1:
Andrew starred in defence in a very good win for the side. Josh was everywhere kicking 4 goals, while his co-forwards Dean and Jess did some very nice things with the footy. Renee was fantastic in the middle using the ball very well and Luke was more than handy. Great start to the day.

Goals: Josh 4, Dean 2, Jess 2

Best Players:

Game 2:
After seeing what Jess could do up forward kicking 2 goals in the first game, it was time to see how she went in the midfield. In another convincing win for the team, she was a standout winning kicks at will and sending the ball forward. Luke and Josh also got many possessions, while Andrew did the same playing high forward - also taking a brilliant mark in the second half. Renee was devastating with 3 second half goals, with Dean always dangerous, to put the result beyond doubt. Rob and Olivia were solid in the back half.

Goals: Renee 3, Dean 2, Andrew 1

Best Players:

Game 3:
In our third straight victory, the side moved around a bit. Luke played forward with great results, taking marks and setting up goals. Rob and Olivia played very good games snaring 5 majors between them. Josh and Andrew were good again in the middle and defence, with Luke also helping out down there when needed. Dean was on the run out of the backline picking up kicks and Jess continued her great form in the midfield using the ball very nicely.

Goals: Olivia 3, Rob 2, Luke 1

Best Players:

Game 4:
Playing off in a Grand Final again was all set for a terrific experience, although we found ourselves down at half time 18-21. Olivia had 2 goals against the breeze in a good display, Andrew was okay in defence, but the team needed to slow down play a little and take time and care with our kicking to teammates. And that's exactly what happened in the second half. Jess and Dean moved forward with brilliant results slotting 4 and 2 goals respectively, with Jess snaring her last from a pocket. Olivia was outstanding in the backline, using the ball really well, with Andrew also playing a great half, taking another towering mark on the last line. Luke and Rob were good players in the clinches, also using the footy well. Renee played well and Josh really bored in, at times clearing the ball out of the centre and was an experienced body for us. His sensational mark and goal just before the end, capped off a fantastic second half of footy for the Bullets as we won our first Corporate Games flag.

Goals: Jess 4, Olivia 2, Dean 2, Josh 1

Best Players:

Another great day was had, even amongst the heavy rain. We were lucky we didn't have to play in the rain too much, but what a wonderful effort from all players to be so competitive in every game, including when the footy was slippery. Thanks again to Luke for organising the day for the team, and for everyone's efforts and good humour in a terrific team environment. And on a day where we were able to pick up the winning medals this time!!