25 Apr Round Two 2024 Match Reports
- Our mighty u11s and their first ever win for points. Many challenges last week, but they got to work and played great footy to record a historic win.
- On the Coaches birthday too so celebrations went late with a few lime cordials back at the Club. Happy 27th Birthday Rolly
- The 13s Boys debuting our new Indigenous Jersey at Research Park – How awesome do the look !
- It didn’t take long for some of our newest Searches to have a mighty impact. Everitt Moore and Brody Dwyer both playing pivotal roles in the 14s Boys Win, Trav Murray and Charlie Skerritt stepping up in the 15s Boys and Shelly Shafran dominating the ruck in the 12s Girls.
- 14s Girls recording their first win for the year – Lead exceptionally once again by skipper, Grace Hegarty. Perhaps some goal kicking practice coming up for the girls though !
Boys Under 9
Searchers vs Greensborough
The day kicked off with little Neddy channelling his inner AFL star, sending two snaps straight through the goals, much to the amazement (or horror) of the Greensborough coach, who couldn’t decide if he was witnessing pure talent or a cosmic joke. Coach Michael, with his wits about him explained they are 8 year olds but the heightened tensions increased the game day passion.
Later in the first quarter, Henry took charge of the PIGS, executing plays learned during Friday’s training with the precision of a seasoned strategist. Meanwhile, Koby unleashed a barrage of power kicks that had the opposition wondering if they were facing a mini-Hercules.
Some strategic moves in response to the Greensborough Coaches’ demands shuffled the midfield, Michael’s efforts in developing 4 magnetic boards for each quarter and carefully setting the rotations for the day helped to manage the quarter time break and what is a tricky rotation schedule with a big bench.
Coming from the quarter break, Greensborough’s towering players took the lead, prompting a mix of determination and “Let’s show ’em who’s boss” vibes from our pint-sized heroes.
Koby took a dive on the ball in defence saving a goal and Johann gave out a tackle that would scare a 15-year-old. Leo showed amazing discipline in the second staying on this player and tackling giants twice his size, a second effort by Leo saw an incredible clearance down into the midfield.
Another shuffle in the third created some excitement for the boys. Patrick started in defence, breaking a mark and providing a second effort to kick out of the backline. Then Will laid 3 massive tackles in a row breaking the ball out of the midfield, a move that will now be known as Will’s triple-tackle spectacle.
Ned came back into the centre after his rest in the forward line providing 3 thumper kicks and getting robbed of a mark.
Henry played some strong contests getting his fist on the ball in the ruck and punching toward our forward line. Then Patrick continued his incredible game with another amazing kick out of the back over to Ari with a strong clean mark followed by Ari making a chip over to Kaisen who snapped it into the forward line.
With the ball flying out to our backline Patrick took another solid mark out of the back with another booming kick.
The fourth quarter was going to be challenging with Greensborough kicking a few goals in the last two quarters but refocussing at 3 quarter time Henry gave a motivational speech revving up our boys to finish strong.
Amidst cheers after the 3 quarter-time pep talks, the final quarter unfolded with James embodying defensive fury and Johann channelling his inner Dermott Brereton with a tackle that sent shockwaves through the spectators and kept medics on standby, all was good and Johann was paid the kick.
Several strong clearances out of the midfield gave some excitement to the boys but were met with devastation as Kaisen played in front taking a powerful mark only for it to be stolen by a bad call and resulting in a goal to the other side.
Young Max played his heart out running and kicking with multiple efforts in one single play which delivered success moving the ball down forward whilst Little Eli showed no intimidation diving on the ball with fearless determination.
Super Cooper also showed no fear, leaping through the air like a penguin with jet packs on getting his hands on the ball against far taller opponents only to not be paid a mark.
Young Henry laid a power tackle in the last quarter that matched that of Johann, followed by a clearance to Mav, who kicked down forward with one of the cleanest plays of the day. Finishing off the day was one of our best on the ground Johann laying 3 more back-breaking tackles and two massive kicks out of the centre.
An incredible day for our little soldiers working hard against a tall opposition. A fearless display that all the parents and spectators were proud of.
The ice cream award was paid to Patrick who was simply on fire all day and needed to cool down, Koby was given a pack of footy cards for what was the best footy we have seen out of him and Johann also received a pack of cards for being the toughest player on the field.
Girls Under 10
It was an early start for the under 10 girls as we headed up the road to take on Yarrambat.
My first game as under 10 coach I was feeling the nerves more than I do for under 16 girls mainly because of the brutal honesty of the under 10 girls!
Harriet was our Captain for today and she did a great job leading the team.
We got off to a slow start against a seasoned opponent in Yarrambat who I was informed have played Auskick and footy for three season together.
Yarrambat had a great first half and definitely had the better of the play. The second half was amazing the theme for the half was tackle and that’s what they did our girl’s tackled and chased and really fought hard for every ball that came there way. Every single one of them got in there and had a real go.
Our third quarter was awesome keeping them to just 2 points for the quarter after they had 41 on the board at half time it was so fun to watch!
Our 4th quarter was just as good and we finally broke through on the scoreboard with a goal from Abi. She told me she was going to kick it to her dad who was goal umpire and that’s exactly what Abi did straight through the middle. Well done Abi!
Overall the second half the score was 12-7 a truly awesome and an amazing effort against a seasoned opposition in Yarrambat. I was super super proud of the girls effort and I had so much fun in my first game as coach.
A shout out to Indie for winning the opposition medal a well deserved winner she was running everywhere and was unstoppable taking on her Yarrambat opposition! Well done Indie.
Best players on the day: whole team it was a true team performance well done girls you should all be proud of your effort I know the parents and all of the coaches are super proud of you all! Keep up the great work! Go Searchers!
Boys Under 11
ROUND TWO VS HURSTBRIDGE AT RESEARCH PARK
SCORES – RESEARCH 8-10-58 HURSTBRIDGE 3-5-23
GOALS – Jack 2, Cayden 2, Aston 1, Hunter 1, Josh 1, Hudson 1
Sunday couldn’t come quick enough for our group. Our players had been training the house down and, as a coaching unit, we knew what the boys could produce on matchday once back to a level playing field.
Dan seamlessly stepped in to coach (thanks Dan) as I stepped in (due to a late injury to Brad) as runner, who stepped back into assistant coach, whilst Dave went to medic and Corey, thankfully, stayed as team manager/assistant coach. Routine stuff.
Up against a big team (who narrowly pipped us twice last year – both times by just 3 points), we knew we had to move the ball sharply. Our mids were a driving force with Hunter allowing us first use of the footy at stoppages via Archie’s and Charlie’s crash, bash and skillful work and Cayden using the ball with precision to our advantage every time. Our backline was holding up well with Gus, solid as ever, Max intent on the footy, and Hayden showing strength and courage. Ashton showing tremendous poise on the last line of defence. Up forward, Jack continuing his form from last week pulled in some ripper marks and gave us a target whilst Lincoln (up from the Under 9’s) and Aston were looking very dangerous. Josh, very clever as always, using the ball so well. Quinn showing his versatility back and forward. We dominated possession for the quarter yet could only manage the one goal, the result of some exciting teamwork that saw Josh put the footy through the big sticks, showing how important he is to our team.
The second quarter saw Hurstbridge really have a crack. This was a crucial time of the game, and it was so rewarding for us to see the challenge taken up by our boys. Dan had just reminded our team at quarter time of the importance to be ready to alter our game if needed for a while and it played out exactly that way. We were able to switch from attack mode to defence mode by lifting the intensity through chases, tackles, and determination to be first in for the ball. Miles moved into the midfield and really helped turn the tide back our way, along with our Captain, Karlius and Alex, playing his first game for the year after a terrific pre-season. Hudson making his presence felt and was ready for action. Astro still a spark in attack, was on fire and kicked an inspirational goal and then Cayden rammed through another one for us. Going into half-time, we had momentum our way again.
Start of the second half, Jezza was running everywhere and linking together several plays for us. Nico lifted his work rate and moved well. Gus was playing a selfless game for us yet again, great work Gus, and Josh was continuing his creative work from the first half. Archie was starting to hit top gear now. Quinn, in and under, pumped out two crucial handballs to teammates on the outside. We were in control. Max, unrelenting all day, along with Karlius and Charlie all playing with passion and looking quite scary, kept the ball moving our way. Miles was starting to get real penetration again with his kicks (a great sign for our group). Hunter, showing superb athleticism, kicked a beautiful running goal and Jack, cool as a cucumber, and showing his class and strength, was able to slot through two team lifting goals for the quarter, right when we needed them.
Final term and Hurstbridge were able to kick two goals. Our pressure dropped for a few minutes – understandable after such an intense effort from our boys. We steadied the ship with more pressure. Alex continued his hard running and creating opportunities for us, Lincoln, growing in confidence now, really started to put his influence on the game, Jezza was still running to the right spaces for us. Hayden clearing packs for our smaller players, Ashton, still solid for us in defence, is learning his craft very quickly. We had it in the bag now. Cayden, his game ramping up each quarter, was now running wild. He kicked another goal and shortly after, passed to our cult hero Huddo in the goal square who then booted it through for his first goal in just his second game – congratulations Huddo.
Thanks to our coaching and management team mentioned earlier and to all of our fantastic parents as per the WhatsApp message. A wonderful day for all involved. The only downside was having Seb miss due to illness – it would have been really something to have had us all together for the win after such a strong lead up. Anyway, that will happen soon, I’m sure.
Rolly
Boys U 13
Another tough day results wise for my U13s group. We are finding out what is required to play at division one level.
While the result was lopsided, I could not be prouder of how the group kept their heads up and fought the game out until the final siren against a quality side in Eltham. I asked them to compete and contest with everything they had… and honestly, they didn’t drop off at all.
While these first four weeks are going to be tough, I can already see the improvement in the group. Its all about learning and improving as a team. While we all like to win… the results are irrelevant! It’s all about learning and improving.
I would especially like to single out Kade and Pat who have been demonstrating awesome leadership during the first games of the season! I have been relying on them in the backline… not an easy task with these quality opposition teams, but they have risen to the challenge and have done so with courage and true Research spirit.
While we didn’t win on this occasion, a huge thank you to the club for the new playing jumpers! The boys elected to wear the indigenous design and they looked fantastic!
Boys U 14
Our first game on RP for the year. Sensational weather with a big crowd. Perfect recipe for a great game!
After last weeks big win I was looking forward to Sundays game to see how the boys backed up against Mernda, one of our old foes from a few years back.
I was pleasantly surprised with a five to one goal first quarter effort. This was off the back of our midfield comprising of Bailey, Jake M, Ned and second game player Everett working their backsides off. They were able to get their hands on the ball around stoppages and pump it forward. Giving our forward line the chance to score effectively with plenty of space to move. I love watching Bailey, Jake and Ned playing in the midfield together. I’ve watched them since the U9’s and they have played over sixty games together now. They have a great chemistry between them with a lot skill on display when they do.
After quarter time Mernda went back to the old rugby style of play they love to use. Numbers at the contest turning it into a slog fest. The boys never took a step back though as Mernda started to rough a few of the boys up with some questionable tactics. We continued to work hard, constantly repelling their attacks from half back. Harvey K was awesome working together with Tom J playing a kick behind the footy.
The third was much of the same as they started to break down our resistance to play the way they wanted us to. Two goals to our one was an indication we were getting tired. The siren came at a good time and gave us a chance to regroup and make a few changes.
A two to zero goal quarter was the icing on the cake. I was really proud of how we ran the game out. Harvey G was a stand out on the wing with his gut running to keep the ball moving into our forward line. Henry T also ran hard in the last to set an example to his team mates to never give up. The score doesn’t reflect how dominant we were in the last quarter. A testament to our fitness and the teams willingness to not give in.
Highlights were second game player Everetts ruck work. Awesome display of natural ability to tap to advantage. Harrison with a four goal display. Rav with courage standing under a high ball. Bondys hip and shoulder. Jake M back to full speed.
Another great all round team performance with 22 contributors all game.
Well done to Blake on his first game with RJFC.
Dan
Boys U17.5
Research 5.8.38 def by South Morang 12.14.86
Goals: Tom Dozzi (2), Josh Northey, Billy Johnson, Kale Bollenhagen
Best Players: Riley Kerr, Hamish Collins, Tom Dozzi, Billy Johnson, Nathan Bradshaw, Jesse Todd, Charlie Klaster
After a promising first game in Division 1, we headed to South Morang for our first test away with confidence. Every team in Division 1 is long established in the highest grade so we must prepare and be ready for every game to be a challenge.
For the second week in a row, we got off to a great start. We were dominant early in the game, getting drive from the midfield, the wings and off half back. We won the quarter and held Sth Morang goalless although they did have the better of the latter part of the quarter, with our backline standing strong.
Sth Morang started to assert themselves in the 2nd quarter, kicking 3.3 to our 1.1 but our boys were well and truly making it a contest and we were just a couple of points behind at half time.
Both the players and coaches are still adjusting to the way teams play in this grade. Sth Morang’s depth through the midfield and the way they attacked through the corridor started to wear us down in the third and they ran the game out in the final quarter stronger than us.
However, there is much to be taken from this game and the first two rounds overall. We are playing some great football and the team has adjusted to the level. We have held both Yarrambat and South Morang to 12 goals which reflects our strong focus on team defence. While our scoring dried up as the game went on, we had a number of chances which we failed to convert, probably leaving 4 or 5 goals on the table which could have made a real difference to the result and we shuffled the team around in the last quarter to experiment with a few things as well. The link up play is improving, players are becoming more composed on the ball and our attack at the contest has been exceptional. Hamish Collins run on the clubroom wing on the weekend was outstanding.
We can take a lot of confidence from our first two games. We have won 3 from the 8 quarters played and we have learned a lot about the level of footy and what we need to do to compete (which we are) and secure results.
Congratulations to Charlie Klaster who played his 100th game on Sunday. A favourite within the team, Charlie is always positive and upbeat. He has become a versatile and mobile 6’1 forward who goes through the midfield and can play back. He has a big work rate, creates great linkage in transition for us and on the weekend, was also recognised by the club as player of the week.
It was also brilliant to have the team run out in our indigenous inspired clash strip. The boys love the jumpers, and it was notable that both clubs wore indigenous designs on the weekend.
Good luck to all Research teams this weekend.