Colts Report – Round 23

Round 23 saw the best of the colts side for 2014. With most of the side playing together for the first time this year it was pleasing to see them perform as a side that belongs in the upcoming finals series. Most the players had the benefit of playing together previously last season and during their time on Warriors development duties. It can only be described as seamless as they gelled to show a balance of poise and aggression to find their best form a week out of a fourth straight finals series.

An inexperienced Peel side was overcome early as the Bulldogs placed enormous pressure on them. A four goal first quarter put the game out of reach early and gave the home team an opportunity to refine their game plan. Kade Stewart looked dangerous in his forward role and kicked a pair of fine goals. He finished the game with three goals and had a great impact on the team’s fortunes. Ruckman Bill Frampton dominated in the ruck and took many telling marks (9) around the ground. He was adjudged best on ground with 25 disposals and 44 hit-outs.

The second quarter was much the same as the first with the South team continuing to dominate in all areas. The Bulldogs kept the pressure on their opponents and allowed them only one goal for the half while kicking five more of their own. Jarrod Garlett (19 disposals) returned from senior duties and set about dominating the centre square and was dangerous up forward with four goals. He along with Joel McComb (3 goals and 19 disposals) ran hard and thrived on the opportunities in forward line.

The Bulldogs took their game to new levels in the second half with many fine displays of clean crisp ball movement. Cam Loersch took many telling grabs and used the ball well by setting up many scoring opportunities and scored a pair of his own goals to take his tally to 55 for the season. The home team had winners all over the ground. Bradd McPhail (16), Jesse Mirco (15) and Luke Pearson were irrepressible in defence and gave up only three goals for the day. Bailey Matera (23), Bill Collier (24), Matty Ah Siu (20) and Jacob Dragovich (18) were all great contributors with a midfield display that showed the class and skill of this talent laden side.

With the game safely in their grasp, the players were able to work on the finer points of the game that will see them give the other finalists a couple of headaches in the next few weeks. Exciting youngsters Shae Bolton, Alex Robinson and Dylan Brown have enjoyed the chance to play with the colts and have given the coaches many headache selections as they attempt to fit in players like Jarrod Pickett and Noah Strom back into the side. Debutant Jake Dubikin also played a game that made this week’s selection process very difficult.

This week the boys take on an East Perth side that has made a late run into the final four. The game at Medibank Stadium on Sunday promises to be a tough encounter.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my support staff that has once again delivered in all areas. The team has benefitted from the best off field crew in the competition. These volunteers are dedicated in giving the boys the best possible opportunity to play well.  I am sure the players will show their appreciation by bringing home a win this Sunday.

Arthur Maskos
SFFC Colts Coach