SANFL Player Reports - Round One
Andrew Montesi
afc.com.au
4:39:12 PM Mon 5 April, 2004
PORT V CENTRALS
Ronnie Burns – Port Adelaide
Ronnie started deep in the forward pocket for the first 10 minutes before moving to the half forward line where he made an immediate impact in getting Port back into the game. Although not gathering a heap of possessions in this quarter, his work rate and energy lifted the Magpies. His effort continued throughout the match and he finished the day with a creditable 12 kicks, 4 marks, 1 handball and a goal. His skill level was very high and he produced his two or three magical things that we expect from Ronnie.
STURT V NORWOOD
James Begley – Sturt
A good disciplined first half from James saw him give his opponent no space to move in the forward line. Although not a high possession game, he stuck to his game plan while the match was in the balance. When the game started to break in Sturt’s favour in the second half James looked to attack more from the backline and his disposal, as always, was very good. By the end of the game, he had become a very attacking backman.
Matthew Smith (Rookie) – Sturt
Matthew played a very serviceable game either at full back or centre half back where he contested well and was able to spoil well to give Sturt’s smaller players first crack at the ground ball. His decision-making was sound and he used the ball well. Finished the game with 12 possessions and 6 strong marks.
Tim Hazell (Rookie) – Norwood
Gathering 32 possessions and taking 11 marks, Tim was easily Norwood’s best player in a side that got beaten by 10 goals. His overhead marking was a feature of his game and he displayed good skills on numerous occasions to outmaneuver his opponent and win the contested footy. His work ethic was terrific despite the fact that Sturt ran away with the game in the second half.
WEST V SOUTH
Luke Jericho – West Adelaide
Luke played across halfback during the first half and despite not gathering many touches he stopped his opponent from getting the ball. The possessions he did get were mainly contested balls and he showed great poise to deliver the ball in tight situations. Luke was shifted to the forward pocket in the second half and he made life very difficult for his opponent. He led well using his great pace and took several fine leading marks. He finished the game with 14 possessions and 3 three goals (including the winning goal with only seconds left in the game).
Brad Dabrowski (Rookie) – West Adelaide
Brad’s ruckwork was very good as he was able out jump his opponent and give his midfielders first use of the ball. He worked hard all over the ground and was very competitive in the air and at ground level. Playing as a key forward in the third quarter his efforts to keep the ball in the forward line were very good.
Aidan parker (Rookie) – South Adelaide
In his first game after returning from a shoulder injury Aidan played across half forward where he was very good in the one on one marking contests. He lead very well and was rewarded with several possessions as a result of hard leading. He was moved to the pack pocket in the second quarter where he stopped his opponent from making an impact with close checking.
GLENELG V NORTH
Matthew Bode – Glenelg
Despite the disappointment of missing out on selection for the Crows, Matthew went back to Glenelg and showed what a true professional he is. He worked his butt off to gather possessions and was able to bring teammates into the game with his excellent disposal. His defensive game was also strong as he made five effective tackles. He continued to gather touches through hard work, even when North started to take control. Matthew finished the day with 24 possessions, 6 marks and a goal and was named Glenelg’s fourth best player. A real chance for selection this week.
Ben Hudson – North Adelaide
Ben was clearly the best player on the ground in the first half due to his work rate and agility. His second efforts, when the ball hit the ground were an example to others and his reading of the play meant he was able to pick up many touches. He played a kick behind the play and when he had the footy he used it very well. He was a very valuable contributor to North’s victory and he finished the game with 18 touches and 6 marks and was named in the best players.
Ian Perrie – North Adelaide
Ian played a very competitive game, giving a good contest at all times, and whilst not a high possession game, Ian certainly did compete well. He was always looking to take front position and if he was unable to mark he made sure the ball came to the front. His skills were good and his defensive work inside North’s forward 50m was very good.
* I cant believe Rowan Andrews failed to get a mention! Did the AFC staff miss the reserves? I'll have to watch him on Saturday.
The usual bit of sugar coating from AFC but I think it confirms that Bode will be in this week and maybe Hudson and Perrie.