Round 8: vs Clarence
Venue: Bellerive
Conditions: Fine and Slight Breeze


It was a disappointing result against Clarence at Bellerive on Saturday; however there were many positives to come out of the game. Clarence certainly came to play and were simply too good on the day. They attacked the ball harder and were cleaner with their possessions. We were undisciplined at times resulting in easy goals. This is disappointing considering the hard work that was done by our defenders to stem the tide throughout the game.

Chris Glenn and Nathan Matthews were unavailable due to injury, Thomas O'Halloran had university exams and Clinton French and Matthew Brooking were eased back to the reserves. Nathan Street and James Armstrong returned from the Devils, Blair Kean was promoted, Shane Piuselli and Bryce O'Garey returned from injury.

The first quarter started poorly for us with Clarence kicking a goal inside the first thirty seconds. We were unable to capitalise on our good work during the quarter and were not scoring regularly enough to put pressure on Clarence. They were kicking with the aide of a slight breeze to the river end and managed to kick 5 first term goals. We were winning the stoppages which was a pleasing aspect of the quarter. At quarter time I was confident if we made the most of opportunities and work harder than Clarence that we could arrest the lead they had obtained.

We were unable to deliver on both fronts with Clarence raising the intensity and kicking 7 goals (4 of these in last 5 minutes of the quarter). Clarence got on top around the stoppages and out worked us. This was a disappointing term as it proved to be a lead that we couldn't manage to overcome. We managed to kick 4 goals for the quarter.

In the third quarter we improved our attack on the ball and basically broke even around the stoppages. However, we only managed to kick 3 goals 3 behinds for the quarter. In the last quarter we ran harder and to the teams credit we did not give up. However, we can not afford to let a good team like Clarence get so far ahead and expect to reel in the deficit. We kicked 5 goals 4 behinds for the quarter but it was basically to no avail as they beat us by 26 points.

The positives to come out of the day were Shane Puiselli's performance in his first senior game for the season. Shane will obviously be better for the run, but he led by example with his desperation, tackling and attack on the ball. Dave Kamaric and Mark Corbett both played well and are having good seasons. I was also pleased with the way in which Damian McIver presented and worked hard when the ball was in his area. The other positive was that we were able to outscore Clarence in the second half. Unfortunately we need 21 contributors to win and there far too many players who had below par games.

I am extremely confident these players will rise to the challenge this weekend against New Norfolk who are playing very well. It promises to be a great game with the Peter Hudson Cup up for grabs and New Norfolk gaining momentum with a solid performance against North Hobart and then defeating Hobart.

We are really keen to get back to the basics of working hard and doing the things we know will result in a good performance. Last weekend is gone and we can only move forward and apply ourselves to the task at hand.

I hope you can come along and support the Magpies this weekend.
Senior Coach - David Newett


Final Score
Glenorchy: 13-12-90
Clarence 17-14-116
Goal Kickers: Bartlett 3, Spencer 2, Hunt 2, Newett 2, McIver 1, B. O'Garey 1, Corbett 1, Street 1, Smith 1
Best Players: Piuselli, Kamaric, Curran, Moles, Smith.

Source: David Newett - Senior Coach GDFC