Round 4: vs Hobart
Venue: TCA
Conditions: Fine then drizzle rain


Playing Hobart at the TCA ground is generally a tough challenge for the Magpies. However, we were confident going into the game due to our team structure and game plan. With Joseph, Bowden, O'Garey, Cornish and Cornelius available our squad had a good balance of talls and smalls. Unfortunately three of our best players from the Lauderdale game, Corbett, Sweeney and Fewkes made themselves unavailable for selection due to disciplinary reasons. French and Muir sustained leg injuries and James Armstrong was an emergency for the Devils.

The first quarter started with a free kick going to Hobart before the first bounce which resulted in a goal. Not the kind of start we were looking for! The boys got down to business with the restart of play and with our midfield getting on top there were 17 forward 50m entries. Our forwards and in particular Aaron Cornelius capitalised by taking several strong marks. To have a seven goal first quarter lead was pleasing considering the weather conditions were beginning to decline.

Hobart responded in the second term as we dropped our work rate slightly and consequently Hobart kicked 5 goals to our 3 for the quarter. It was a tough contest with the rain making conditions slippery. Nathan Foale and Matthew Smith were playing well and controlling the stoppages while Nathan Matthews was productive on his wing. Sam Chivers was not only contesting the rucking duels but also gaining possessions around the ground. We went into the major break with a 24 point lead.

The third quarter saw a great display of committed football. The players tackled strongly, worked hard and used the ball extremely well considering the conditions. Our small forwards were damaging and our defence rebounded extremely well. A six quarter goal resulted.

There is always the risk of a team dropping their work rate in the final term when they have a commanding lead. However, the team remained focused on the process and systems in place preventing any Hobart challenges. There were many good players in the final term displaying desire and commitment to win the ball and apply pressure to the opposition. To win by 55 points was a great result of hard, disciplined and committed football.



Final Score
Glenorchy 19-10-124
Hobart 9-15-69
Better players: N Foale, M Smith, N Matthews, S Chivers and D McIver

Our Mariner players have commitments for the game against Kingborough this weekend opening the door for several players to step up into senior ranks. It will be another tough challenge this weekend as Kingborough will be keen to make up for last weeks loss. We aim to maintain momentum and continue to improve our performance which should result in a good contest.

In other news we hope to see the return of Shane Puiselli, Ryan Keeley and Jesse Crouch from injury in the not too distant future. I would also like to welcome Richie Robinson into the club. Richie has transferred from North Hobart and plays either centre half back or centre half forward. I wish him all the best and congratulate him on his first up performance on Saturday.

Source: David Newett - Senior Coach GDFC