Round 3: vs Lauderdale
Venue: KGV
Conditions: Fine

Round three was the Anzac Day game against Lauderdale. Since its inception Glenorchy has won the highly respected Anzac Trophy. The day was set up once again by our impressive under 19 team who had a comfortable win. They are a talented team who play according to Graeme's game plan with a great deal of determination and desire. Our reserves have not had the greatest start to the season with two losses. However, it was a much improved effort on the training track and players acquitted themselves extremely well on Saturday. There were numerous players who had good performances including Nathan Foale, Matthew Brooking who was an emergency for the senior team, and David O'Garey. The win has given the squad a great deal of confidence going into the Grand Final replay with Hobart this weekend.

There were changes to the senior team with Bowden, Joseph and B. O'Garey unavailable due to Mariner commitments and Chris Glenn was a late withdrawal due to body soreness. Armstrong and Smith returned from suspension and two players made their senior debuts. Daniel Muir and Daniel Fewkes were promoted into the senior team. Dan Muir started last season in the under 19's and was promoted to the reserves where he impressed. This season he has continued his development and was rewarded with his first senior game. Dan Fewkes has begun the season extremely well in the Under 19's and was promoted for due to his pace and his delivery of the ball. A small forward who can go into the midfield Dan is an exciting player with a lot of ability. The other player coming into the team was Calum Garvey. Cal returned from Melbourne this year and is keen to play some good football. He is aggressive and as demonstrated on the weekend is fit and moving around the ground gaining possessions.

The senior game began with Lauderdale playing a loose man in defence. This enabled us to have a free man in the midfield to use on the counter attacks. Mark Corbett was again in good form winning numerous possessions in the midfield. Nathan Matthews utilized his possessions taking the ball inside 50 on numerous occasions. Our backline lead by Curran and co. repelled Lauderdale attacks and rebounded well from the defensive half. Unfortunately the ball delivery to our forwards was inconsistent making it difficult for Spencer, McIver and Hunt. It is one area of our game we are continually aiming to improve.

We maintained a similar work ethic in the second term but kicked inaccurately for goal. Again Matthews was linking up play well on his wing, Kean and Kamaric were doing well in defence and Corbett continued to find plenty of the ball. We went into the half time break with a 25 point lead.

In the third quarter we controlled play and started maintaining possession by delivering the ball to team mates. Our rotation of players ensured the game speed was maintained and Lauderdale were providing us with good opposition. They have several quick players who enjoyed the open expanses of KGV. We had increased our lead to 43 points by the three quarter time break.

It was pleasing that we did not decrease our work rate in the final term. Fewkes and Muir were gaining confidence and the players were keen to ensure they had enjoyable debut games. Kamaric and Armstrong were providing good targets in the forward line and our midfield controlled general play. The defenders did a fantastic job all day and restricted Lauderdale to only 4 goals for the entire game.

In summary it was a pleasing effort to win by 66 points and to have over 50 forward entries reflects our high work rate. However, inaccurate kicking for goals cost us a bigger winning margin and is an area we will address. We are now preparing to take on Hobart at the TCA ground which promises to be a tough encounter. We have the Mariner boys back with us this week which strengthens all grades. There are several players in the reserves who are finding form and will also come under consideration. It looks like an exciting week of football for the club.


Final Score
Glenorchy 13-16-94
Lauderdale 4-4-28
Better players: M Corbett, N Matthews, D Kamaric, J Armstrong and M Smith

Source: David Newett - Senior Coach GDFC