Link to Sporting Pulse Report

Caulfield   12.14.86    Defeated by    Peninsula   16.06.102

I did consider that the abrupt end to the season last Saturday may not warrant a report but that would have been totally unfair to the Under 19’s whose magnificent grand final win deserves acknowledgment.  And whilst the performances of both the Reserves and Seniors were so disappointing, we ask the players to face losing with dignity and respect so why should I take the easy way out!
Returning to the ‘scene of the crime’ on Sunday, in my role as VAFA match manager for the final three Under 19 Sections grand finals, I must admit it was a long day and I found myself constantly thinking of what could have been in the previous 24 hour period. At least the closeness and competitiveness of all three Sunday games kept my mind occupied.
I won’t record our U19’s fantastic win in any great detail other than to say what an inspiring win it was and to congratulate Josh, his team of helpers and the players. To come via a 1st semi and prelim final, in consecutive seasons, to gain back to back premierships, is an exceptional performance. Their collective spirit was clearly evident at Northcote the week before and against stronger opposition on Saturday we saw even greater commitment. Not being as closely aligned to the 19’s every week I tend to look at their displays from a futuristic point of view. Their importance to the club’s prospects beyond the current season is and has always been of extreme importance. To observe them in the heat of finals’ football can provide a clearer picture of our future prospects. In the prelim and particularly in the grand final this season one factor stood out, their unwillingness to submit when challenged. It was pretty special to be one of the crowd supporting the blue and white. Some of the remaining coaching blood in my veins bubbled at their skill level at critical times. Their preparedness to take the game on, back their judgment and run on to support the next contest was simply great as was their ability to get their heads back in the right space after altercations. Playing lists will naturally change for the 2017 season but if, as anticipated, a majority of these lads continue to play with their mates at CGFC next season, our aims to take the next step are greatly strengthened. And one final point of note, the way the lads, led by their captain, paid due respect to the principal traditions of the game after the final siren did not go unnoticed.  The best players were named, in no particular order - Myles Spielvogel, Jack Lewis, Zach Amos, Max Simpson, Ollie Allis and Lachlan Harris and Lachy Harris was awarded the medal for the best player in the grand final, as chosen by the umpires. The six best had plenty of mates and it was truly a ‘team effort’. I’m sure the boys celebrated accordingly and they fully deserved it. Thanks and congratulations to Josh and his full squad. They’ll look back in years to come and will enjoy a bond that cannot be broken. 
The Reserves game was a calamity in terms of the cruel, last minute of the game where they hit the front yet failed to hold on to the lead, the opposition sweeping forward to goal and take the premiership. It had been a great season by the ressies until the final series. They played some great footy along the way and their standard allowed the senior team to access ready made replacements when the situation demanded. You simply can’t help but feel for co-coaches Luke Price and Andy Spittal as well as the players but it was theirs to lose in that fatal last quarter. It was a bad start in the first quarter, trailing by 4 goals and the fight back was commendable against a team that had beaten us late in the season. Robbie Handel certainly had an impact with 5 goals and the others names as best players – Sean Stewart, Lachy Topp, Al Burge, Drew Dickson and Damien Hay had a real crack and there were others who contributed to the fight back in the last quarter and who worked hard during the match. Really disappointing for the boys after such a good home and away season but there are no excuses, they threw away the second semi and although far better disciplined in the prelim, the last gasp was a pitiless blow. 
I understand it was Sam Wood’s last game, a pity as he has given so much to the club as a senior and as a reserves’ player but, as one of the few married men in the playing group, other priorities take precedence. It’s been a pleasure watching you Woody. I remember your first game in the School 1st XVlll, played at Wheelers Hill when I think you were in year 10. I was impressed then and have admired your contribution on and off the field ever since. Your past premiership record says much for you and I know you will not be lost to the club. Stick together guys, it’s a case of unfulfilled expectations and denied promise. 2017 can be a season of fulfilment and promise!
And so to the main game with the hopes of promotion resting on their shoulders and with plenty of confidence by all of us knowing the performance in the second semi final must not be repeated. Peninsula were first into attack with the aid of the breeze and Tom Small gathered our first clear possession finding Jordan Stewart on the lead. Peninsula repelled our early attempt and the play was somewhat crowded as both sides got numbers to the contest. As the minutes passed, another promising Field’s move, initiated by Harrison Mills to Dec Reilly, was also defended by the opposition and they attacked again and kicked the first goal of the game with a ‘check-side’ conversion inside 7 minutes of play. Peninsula’s approach was pretty clear, numbers at the ball and hard body work. We stood up to it ok but were having trouble getting the ball out of defence with Dom O’Keefe and the others forced to use the boundary on a number of occasions rather than clear transport by possession. When we did get the ball forward we were unable to convert. Jack Wallace marked surely in defence to stop Peninsula in their tracks but already this was looking like a game that would rely on survival of the fittest, or strongest! By the half way mark of the quarter it had been difficult for both teams in the ‘arm wrestle’ that was unfolding but Jack Presnall kicked our first goal with some dash and shortly after Greeny kicked a point on the run, I noticed how young our defence looked against bigger bodies. Theo Thompson earned a free and linked up with Chris Diggle, Joey McClelland and Jordy but a turnover resulted, fortunately Peninsula only kicking a behind. After 21 minutes had ticked by Peninsula kicked their second with a snap from a ruck contest, damn annoying when we should have had all bases covered. It was Peninsula who emerged again using loose men to transport and kicked a goal on the run at the 24 minute mark. We remained under a fair bit of pressure and a free to Dom O’Keefe saved the situation as Peninsula cleared from the centre quickly. Joey relieved another attack but Peninsula’s handball was impressive and maintained the pressure with each of our possessions seemingly under pressure. There was relief and a real step forward when Tom Green, on the end of a string of Caulfield handballs, hit Louis who converted for a much needed goal. At quarter time, Peninsula led 3.2 to 2.2 and I noted we had relied particularly on our young guns with Jack Wallace, Theo Thompson and Jack Presnall the standouts. Now was our chance to make a charge.
Knowing we were a maturing team it was obvious that we needed to make every opportunity count and Theo got the first clearance from the centre but Peninsula marked strongly. When Jack Wallace sent us forward again Peninsula repeated the defensive approach with another saving mark. We then had a number of opportunities, Will Barker snapping a long attempt but only for a behind, a Tim Nixon free kick was marked by Digs on the lead but his long delivery went out of bounds off the pack in the forward pocket. Peninsula moved the ball quickly when they had the chance and Domma’s courage at ground level was great under pressure. Peninsula maintained control in their half for quite some time creating pressure on our defence. Some good moves, Digs to Theo to Louis for instance, too often resulted in turn overs and we saw consecutive boundary throw-ins and the Peninsula big man pressuring our Rucks. It was proving a very tough, physical encounter and I felt we had to make the most of our opportunities, as we were unlikely to ‘out-muscle’ them consistently in the packs. Theo was good in defence, a really ‘stiff’ free was awarded against Joey and when Jack Pres cleared again they held us up, regained control and went forward. The first goal of the quarter was Peninsula’s as their veteran marked and converted with 10 minutes gone. We really need to impact and reduce the turnovers. When Greeny bounded out of the centre Damien Simic could only manage a behind with an attempt along the ground. Peninsula were continuing to place great pressure on our defence who, to their credit, stood up and it was Jack Wallace who created an opportunity that Tom Small grabbed with both hands to kick the answering goal. 
Will Barker was working hard but was having difficulty getting free as Peninsula paid him plenty of attention and created ‘piles-on’ whenever Barks was at the bottom of the pack. One felt they were targeting our young guns and why wouldn’t they! We regained some momentum for a time and a free to Digs and his delivery to Damo then went to Nick Silvestro but the umps missed an obvious mark to Louis and balled it up or should I say ‘ballsed it up’! We were right in it as Dec Reilly charged through the middle, weaving his way, to bang one through on the run and the scores were close. Dec and Digs combined soon after, Greeny missed a chance on the run but made up for it shortly after some more good work from Chris Diggle, Greeny ‘hurdling’ the opposition and brilliantly converted from the pocket. As we lifted, Gater put on a smother in defence when Peninsula responded. It was Jack Presnall who made the most of some good work by Jordy and a couple of others, finding Louis, the Boz splitting the middle and we were firing on extra cylinders. With 20 minutes gone we attacked again via Nico, Smally, back to Nico but Peninsula defended well. We then locked it up in the mid-field, Andre and Barks combining. We were a lot busier and the pressure was on Peninsula. It was really against the flow as Peninsula finally went forward and converted to bring reduce the margin to 10 points in our favour. After three minutes or so, Joe McClelland marked, relieved and Theo grabbed the opportunity to run on a kick a great goal, a real lifter. As good sides do, Peninsula upped the ante, went forward and a fumble on our last line of defence provided an opportunity for the opposition; they took it and regained the momentum to the extent they kicked another minutes later with a snap from a boundary throw-in. This was a game changing period as Peninsula kicked two more goals prior to the main break, really damaging stuff. Peninsula went to the main break leading 9.2 to 7.7 and again we had had more scoring shots!
From half time, Peninsula seemed to grow in strength and most of our possessions gained were placed under pressure by a dedicated and hard tackling opposition. They kicked the first goal of the third quarter after 7 minutes and although Tom Small made the most of a combination of Tonks, Silver and Louis to kick our 8th goal, the surety of the opposition’s ball handling was in contrast to ours and they increased their lead by swooping on a spillage to convert for the 11th time. I hasten to add we had missed two opportunities to convert in the interim! To their credit, our boys did not fade as in the previous final and a passage, started by Finn McEvoy, provided a chance to Nick Silvestro who handballed to Millsy for an answering goal. 17 minutes of the term had elapsed and we were in the game. There were 14 more minutes played in the quarter and despite our efforts to hang in, Peninsula kicked three goals, using their strength to break tackles and running in numbers through our lines. The score at three quarter time, 9.12 to us – 14.4 to them! I recall again Simon’s prophetic words earlier in the season “it’s going to cost us at some stage” and our inaccuracy up forward was certainly costing us; ‘’big time”!
It’s history now that we were unable to bridge the gap and yet we outscored Peninsula 3.2 to 2.2 in the final term. Tom Small (twice) and Tom Green were the goal kickers and there were some good efforts by the Fields in contrast to the poor performance in the second semi final. The true facts are however that Peninsula were too strong physically, too determined when we did fight back and took the lead and they maintained control to the final siren. 
Our goal scorers were Tom Small 4, Louis O’Keefe 2, Tom Green 2, Jack Presnall, Dec Reilly, Theo Thompson and Harrison Mills. 
The better players were announced as Theo Thompson, Tom Small, Jack Wallace, Joe, McClelland, Tom Green and Chris Diggle and I couldn’t argue with the selection.
In the rooms after the game, Simon spoke exceptionally well, with emotion and paid respect to his players by speaking briefly and honestly about each one. It was a particularly disheartening result after finishing on top of the ladder but we all know the season is in two halves – the home and away games and the finals. You simply must stand up in both halves.
As disappointed as we all are in not reaching the goal of Premier B for 2017 there is truly much to be positive about. The most significant fact for me is the youthfulness of the squad and the potential for improvement. Simon touched on the lack of required physique in a number of our younger players and I couldn’t agree more. Although I have always maintained in sport you can generally not ‘fatten thoroughbreds’ in combative sport you must maximise body strength. Footy is not boxing. There are no divisions based on weight but it is a fact that you must have the required body strength to compete in our indigenous   game. Although you have to be careful not to increase weight at the expense of lessening mobility many of our younger players will naturally gain strength by next season but must do all they can to maximise that gain and not at the expense of flexibility. Peninsula and to a lesser extent Mazenod took our youth into account and planned accordingly. Hopefully the squad will be similar in personnel in 2017 and will also gain from talent that exists in this season’s U19 group. Other recruitment will be welcomed but the nucleus is there. And of course, the skill levels, particularly by foot must be enhanced and that is possible with commitment.  
It has been a really progressive season on and off the field. I have been proud to be involved as a member and as a supporter and Simon’s commitment to 2017 was great news. 
As they say, ‘failure is the opportunity to begin more intelligently’ but it will be up to the playing group to take on the required commitment to get better. Knowing there is sufficient margin to achieve significant improvement is one thing, commitment is the essential ingredient.
Thanks for the season Peter Small and his workers, Simon his coaching staff and the players. Special mention to Scottie Williams for his continued dedication! It is simply unsurpassed in the annals of the club. I, and many others remain proud of the club’s reputation and of the playing group.
Go Fields!