Match Report 1 2008

NORTH	6-4	12-10	17-14	21-17	143
QUEANBEYAN	2-2	4-3	7-5	8-6	54

 

Best Players (in no particular order): Sporn, O'Brien, Delvins, Alleway, Stewart, O'Brien, Ryswyk, McIntyre, Coulter, Walker and Ricky Ebert.

Goals: Stewart, McIntyre 3, Coulter, Walker 2, Alleway, O'Brien, White, Ebert, Ward, Schubert, Ryswyk, Down, Motlop, Pfeiffer, Delvins 1.

On a beautiful Canberra afternoon (21 degrees and sunny) with only a slight breeze favouring the Southern End, North opened up strongly with the first goal of the game into the wind in front of small but enthusiastic crowd (about 300). The Tigers replied quickly showing they were not to be taken lightly and despite missing 10 of their 2007 Grand Final side still had some very good players with the Swans supplying them 4 very good players to top up their squad. The North boys looked stronger and fitter having a similar pre-season to an AFL side with Queanbeyan only beginning their pre-season 7 weeks ago. As the quarter progressed North exerted their superior game style and fitness to take what looked like a match winning lead into the quarter time break of 26 points.

Although the quarter time huddle wasn't quite as intense as match day in the real season Jars maintained routine with the players breaking into their various groups getting rundowns from the assistant coaches before the squad got together with Jars emphasising that they were to improve on things they weren't doing quite right. The Coach wanted a bit more run and handball and that showed as the game progressed.

Despite some wayward kicking early in the 2nd quarter North slowly built momentum. Josh Coulter was having great fun trying to slot through some long goals and eventually found success kicking a ripper from about 40 metres out on a tight angle in the South Eastern pocket of the Margaret Donoghue Oval. Clinton Alleway was dominant giving the don't answer to a few defenders and was taking strong mark after mark in the first half before being moved down back for the 2nd half. I questioned Jars about this after the game and he advised it was because he demands flexibility in our side, he indicated to me that if we weren't flexible we would be dead in the water before we even started the 2008 campaign. The young guns in Pfeiffer, Delvins, Cunningham, R.Ebert and a host of many more were running strong and enthusiastically, obviously keen on getting a spot in the league side for the forthcoming season. It was great to see Leigh Ryswyk on the wing again, he looked very strong and fit and was running hard as usual through the lines, when moved into defence he was equally effective. With a flurry of late goals in the 2nd quarter North took a strong 55 point lead into the sheds at quarter time setting up a second half in which Jars could continue to experiment with several players in different positions.

With a shuffle of the magnetic board McIntyre was moved down forward and Alleway to Centre Half Back, McIntyre looked good taking some strong marks and creating a presence kicking a couple of early goals. Allers continued to play well in defence looking like a general. As the game progressed, our raw full forward Stewart showed that he had a fantastic long raking left foot kick for a 19 year old, Jars was impressed with his efforts although stressing that he had a lot to learn about footy, despite playing from behind early he gradually found his feet providing a strong presence and similar to an in form Wundke last year it was noticeable that he's very good at straightening the side up when going into attack also kicking 3 goals in the game..

Despite the Tigers never giving in North's shuffled lineup still showed a lot more structure than the locals and superior fitness was also showing through, although the goal scoring slowed down in the second half some good signs were there from the new recruits and youngster. Rory O'Brien looked a real goer in the middle, he's an exciting prospect for Rooster fans. Former Crows Rookie Rhys Archard came off early with a slight twinge to his hamstring, would have played on in a normal game but no risks were being taken.

North kicked 5 goals into the dying breeze but the Tigers showed great pluck kicking 3 of their own. Despite the locals at time copping some bone shattering hip and shoulders and very strong tackles no malice or niggle was shown by either side and it was played in great spirits. It was great for the North supporters to see Kingsley Walker, Nick Kurzell, Darryl Wintle, Brett White, etc all looking fit and running well too.

The last quarter was a bit less intense but still played out till the end, North as per every other quarter outscored the Tigers, this time by 27 points, taking the final margin to a convincing 89 points. Besides Archard's aforementioned twinge there was no injury concerns and the players enjoyed a quick shower before heading over to the super impressive Queanbeyan club rooms across the road for some mingling with the locals.

North now turn their attention to their next trial game, they have the next weekend off (another internal trial is likely to be scheduled) before playing trials against Norwood (Max Basheer Reserve) and Central (Elizabeth) and then the real stuff kicks off the weekend after Easter.

Personally I'd like to thank the Queanbeyan people for their hospitality, supporters mixed and talked all day sinking off a few $3.30 pints in the club rooms together. It was a real eye opener to see some of the money going around the ACT, Ainslie in particular owns several clubs, a golf course, hundreds of pokies and has facilities second to none. The CEO of the ACTAFL, David Wark, looked after my companion and I by lending us his car on Saturday to see the sights of Canberra as well as giving us a lift to the game, on the Friday he showed Glenn Elloitt around also showing him sights such as the Ainslie Football Club.

On a relaxing Sunday the day after the players took it easy, most going to see a movie with others catching up with some more sights, a few tired lads but well behaved with the Saturday night curfew being adhered to. Players such as Tubby, Unit, Shannon Motlop, etc always happy to sit down with supporters and chat to them about the club.

I miss Paul Horwood's reports already but I hope my illiterate ramblings help fill in a few spots from the weekend  for those who couldn't attend.

Photos taken of the match can be viewed here:

Pics of North v Queanbeyan 2008