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SANFL Player Reports - Round Three
Andrew Montesi
afc.com.au
11:46:29 AM Wed 21 April, 2004
Sturt V Glenelg
Martin Mattner – Sturt
Playing on a half back flank for the majority of the match, Mattner produced a trademark match littered with “one-per centers”. His ability to chase hard, tackle, bump, provide a shepherd, smother and consistently spoil the ball from opposition hands always puts him a level above many players. In attack, Mattner was constantly able to finish with great skill and composure. However, what was most impressive about Mattner was his work rate, which was kept to a high standard for the entire four quarters. After defeating all opponents on the day, Mattner would be well pleased with his efforts.
Matthew Smith – Sturt
Smith produced a solid effort for four quarters on the last line of defence. Playing full back, Matthew Smith’s first priority was to quash the opposition full forward’s efforts. This was achieved, with various opponents only managing to kick one major between them whilst against Smith. Matthew was also prepared to attack, taking every opportunity to run off his opponent and propel Sturt into attack. In a day of fairly limited opportunities for a backman, Smith was able to stand tall and be a contributor to the team.
Rowan Andrews (Rookie) – Glenelg Reserves
Easily best on ground on Saturday, Andrews would be very unlucky to not make his league debut this week. His ability to work hard for four quarters was an asset to his team, as he managed to get back in defence and provide an option up forward. However, the standout facet of Andrews’ game was his marking. Showing the discipline to play in front all day, Andrews took numerous courageous marks, and many marks around the ground. His ruck work at centre bounces and around the ground was particularly pleasing, managing to consistently palm the ball to a teammate’s advantage. Andrews also worked extremely hard at ground level, a rare trait for a big man, and on several occasions gained the ball after second efforts to pass it off effectively by either hand or foot. Overall, a standout match for Rowan Andrews.
North Adelaide V Norwood
Ian Perrie – North Adelaide
Playing at centre half forward for the entirety of the match, Perrie will certainly be staking his claim for a call up this week. His work rate was excellent, whether it was on the second or third lead Perrie always presented himself as an option. Ian Perrie’s skills were top class, and was particularly good on either side of his body by both hand and foot. His ability to provide a contest at every opportunity was significant in bringing other players into the game at ground level. Ian Perrie was a constant source of attack for North Adelaide, and because of this his name is sure to come up around the Adelaide selection table.
Tim Hazell (Rookie) – Norwood
Tim Hazell dominated the first quarter, and because of this was heavily tagged thereafter. Putting in consistently great performances in recent weeks was bound to draw him extra attention. This aside, Hazell still managed to be a significant contributor for Norwood and gained 23 possessions. His skills were still second to none, never missing a target throughout the course of the match and making every statistic count. The tagging experience will only serve as a learning curb for Hazell who is sure improve next week.
Central V Eagles
Robert Shirley – Eagles
One of the main protagonists in the Eagles upset victory, Shirley put in a great performance. His game was again played at its usual high intensity, where his work rate and competitiveness were second to none. All day the Central District on-ballers were made to work for every possession. Shirley was not afraid to “get dirty”, consistently doing the “hard things” to turn the ball over to the Eagles advantage. His desperation was outstanding, showing great courage and his tackling was a standout. Robert Shirley’s efforts on the weekend will give him the opportunity of regaining his spot in the side sooner rather than later.
Nathan Bock – Eagles
Bock was another solid performer in the Eagles victory on the weekend. Playing predominantly in defensive roles, he managed to defeat his opponent, Luke Cowan, who only managed to kick one goal. Nathan Bock managed to sneak a goal for himself, which came at a vital stage in the match. Nathan’s use of the ball was fantastic by either hand or foot. This was particularly so in the last line of defence where he used the ‘switch of play’ method to great effect. Although not dominating Saturday’s proceedings, Bock showed a good understanding of team principles and was a great benefit to the Eagles victory.
Hayden Skipworth – Eagles
Hayden Skipworth’s efforts were fantastic on the weekend, being rated by many as the best on ground performer. Skipworth gained 18 possessions, which is short of his usual high average, but his ability to make every one count whilst also performing the unrecognized efforts of tackling, shepherding and contesting made him one of the Eagles’ most valuable players on the day. Skipworth showed his worth when tagged heavily in the second half, as he still managed to stay on top and maintain his great value to the Eagles midfield. Consistent good efforts from Hayden Skipworth will see a contender for Adelaide selection.
Fergus Watts – Eagles Reserves
The return to football of gun recruit Fergus Watts will put a smile to any Crows supporters face. Returning from injury, Watts was a great performer for the Eagles reserves. Although slightly under done in terms of match practice, Watts took little time to get back into the swing of things. Fergus’ attack on the ball was particularly impressive, whether at ground level or in the air. He showed a fearlessness that would have impressed the likes of Gary Ayres. Playing at centre half forward, Fergus Watts showed glimpses of a young star in the making. Many on lookers will be interested in his progress in the coming weeks.
Jason Torney – Norwood Reserves (due to South bye)
Playing in the Norwood seconds due to South Adelaide’s bye, Torney was excellent in what would have been a foreign environment. Unlucky not be picked for the match against St Kilda, Torney again put his name up to the Adelaide selectors. His teamwork could not be faulted, looking at home amongst his makeshift Norwood teammates. Jason worked extremely hard at ground level, and distributed the ball to good affect by either hand or foot. Torney was particularly effective at stoppages, finishing off good work with clean and precise ball handling. Whilst others began to tire around him, Torney ran the game out well and certainly proved that he is AFL material.
West Adelaide V Port Adelaide
Brad Dabrowski (Rookie) – West Adelaide
Brad Dabrowski produced a solid effort for West Adelaide against Port on Saturday. Playing as a second ruckman to West’s dominant Pat Steinfort, Dabrowski still managed to make the most of limited opportunities. Brad managed to have a significant impact playing as a link man, where he managed to force the ball to West’s favour on several occasions out wide. Dabrowski used his body effectively, particularly around the ground and in marking contests. Given more opportunities next week, Dabrowski will be looking to have a more significant impact on the match.
Ben Rutten – West Adelaide
It was a great return to league football for Ben Rutten, whose name is beginning to come up as a ‘possible’ for AFL selection in the coming weeks. Playing at centre half forward for West, Rutten moved very well and created space for himself and fellow forwards. Rutten gained 14 kicks simply because of hard work, and finished well with 8 possessions in the final quarter. West Adelaide relished in having Rutten as a target up forward, who drew smaller players into the game by forcing a contest at every opportunity. With continued solid performances, Ben Rutten could find himself looking at a promotion in due course.
Ronnie Burns – Port Adelaide
Playing in a forward line that probably wasn’t functioning at its best, Ronnie Burns still managed to impress as he looks to force his way into the Adelaide side. Burns gave everything for his teammates, providing shepherds and making space for other forwards. When in possession, Ronnie looked all class whilst attacking the ball strongly, marking cleanly and his goal kicking was pinpoint. Burns had four goals straight to his name at the conclusion of the match. Burns’ work rate was fantastic for the entirety of the match and is certainly pushing for selection.
==============================================
Watts and andrews bring a smile to my face
Andrew Montesi
afc.com.au
11:46:29 AM Wed 21 April, 2004
Sturt V Glenelg
Martin Mattner – Sturt
Playing on a half back flank for the majority of the match, Mattner produced a trademark match littered with “one-per centers”. His ability to chase hard, tackle, bump, provide a shepherd, smother and consistently spoil the ball from opposition hands always puts him a level above many players. In attack, Mattner was constantly able to finish with great skill and composure. However, what was most impressive about Mattner was his work rate, which was kept to a high standard for the entire four quarters. After defeating all opponents on the day, Mattner would be well pleased with his efforts.
Matthew Smith – Sturt
Smith produced a solid effort for four quarters on the last line of defence. Playing full back, Matthew Smith’s first priority was to quash the opposition full forward’s efforts. This was achieved, with various opponents only managing to kick one major between them whilst against Smith. Matthew was also prepared to attack, taking every opportunity to run off his opponent and propel Sturt into attack. In a day of fairly limited opportunities for a backman, Smith was able to stand tall and be a contributor to the team.
Rowan Andrews (Rookie) – Glenelg Reserves
Easily best on ground on Saturday, Andrews would be very unlucky to not make his league debut this week. His ability to work hard for four quarters was an asset to his team, as he managed to get back in defence and provide an option up forward. However, the standout facet of Andrews’ game was his marking. Showing the discipline to play in front all day, Andrews took numerous courageous marks, and many marks around the ground. His ruck work at centre bounces and around the ground was particularly pleasing, managing to consistently palm the ball to a teammate’s advantage. Andrews also worked extremely hard at ground level, a rare trait for a big man, and on several occasions gained the ball after second efforts to pass it off effectively by either hand or foot. Overall, a standout match for Rowan Andrews.
North Adelaide V Norwood
Ian Perrie – North Adelaide
Playing at centre half forward for the entirety of the match, Perrie will certainly be staking his claim for a call up this week. His work rate was excellent, whether it was on the second or third lead Perrie always presented himself as an option. Ian Perrie’s skills were top class, and was particularly good on either side of his body by both hand and foot. His ability to provide a contest at every opportunity was significant in bringing other players into the game at ground level. Ian Perrie was a constant source of attack for North Adelaide, and because of this his name is sure to come up around the Adelaide selection table.
Tim Hazell (Rookie) – Norwood
Tim Hazell dominated the first quarter, and because of this was heavily tagged thereafter. Putting in consistently great performances in recent weeks was bound to draw him extra attention. This aside, Hazell still managed to be a significant contributor for Norwood and gained 23 possessions. His skills were still second to none, never missing a target throughout the course of the match and making every statistic count. The tagging experience will only serve as a learning curb for Hazell who is sure improve next week.
Central V Eagles
Robert Shirley – Eagles
One of the main protagonists in the Eagles upset victory, Shirley put in a great performance. His game was again played at its usual high intensity, where his work rate and competitiveness were second to none. All day the Central District on-ballers were made to work for every possession. Shirley was not afraid to “get dirty”, consistently doing the “hard things” to turn the ball over to the Eagles advantage. His desperation was outstanding, showing great courage and his tackling was a standout. Robert Shirley’s efforts on the weekend will give him the opportunity of regaining his spot in the side sooner rather than later.
Nathan Bock – Eagles
Bock was another solid performer in the Eagles victory on the weekend. Playing predominantly in defensive roles, he managed to defeat his opponent, Luke Cowan, who only managed to kick one goal. Nathan Bock managed to sneak a goal for himself, which came at a vital stage in the match. Nathan’s use of the ball was fantastic by either hand or foot. This was particularly so in the last line of defence where he used the ‘switch of play’ method to great effect. Although not dominating Saturday’s proceedings, Bock showed a good understanding of team principles and was a great benefit to the Eagles victory.
Hayden Skipworth – Eagles
Hayden Skipworth’s efforts were fantastic on the weekend, being rated by many as the best on ground performer. Skipworth gained 18 possessions, which is short of his usual high average, but his ability to make every one count whilst also performing the unrecognized efforts of tackling, shepherding and contesting made him one of the Eagles’ most valuable players on the day. Skipworth showed his worth when tagged heavily in the second half, as he still managed to stay on top and maintain his great value to the Eagles midfield. Consistent good efforts from Hayden Skipworth will see a contender for Adelaide selection.
Fergus Watts – Eagles Reserves
The return to football of gun recruit Fergus Watts will put a smile to any Crows supporters face. Returning from injury, Watts was a great performer for the Eagles reserves. Although slightly under done in terms of match practice, Watts took little time to get back into the swing of things. Fergus’ attack on the ball was particularly impressive, whether at ground level or in the air. He showed a fearlessness that would have impressed the likes of Gary Ayres. Playing at centre half forward, Fergus Watts showed glimpses of a young star in the making. Many on lookers will be interested in his progress in the coming weeks.
Jason Torney – Norwood Reserves (due to South bye)
Playing in the Norwood seconds due to South Adelaide’s bye, Torney was excellent in what would have been a foreign environment. Unlucky not be picked for the match against St Kilda, Torney again put his name up to the Adelaide selectors. His teamwork could not be faulted, looking at home amongst his makeshift Norwood teammates. Jason worked extremely hard at ground level, and distributed the ball to good affect by either hand or foot. Torney was particularly effective at stoppages, finishing off good work with clean and precise ball handling. Whilst others began to tire around him, Torney ran the game out well and certainly proved that he is AFL material.
West Adelaide V Port Adelaide
Brad Dabrowski (Rookie) – West Adelaide
Brad Dabrowski produced a solid effort for West Adelaide against Port on Saturday. Playing as a second ruckman to West’s dominant Pat Steinfort, Dabrowski still managed to make the most of limited opportunities. Brad managed to have a significant impact playing as a link man, where he managed to force the ball to West’s favour on several occasions out wide. Dabrowski used his body effectively, particularly around the ground and in marking contests. Given more opportunities next week, Dabrowski will be looking to have a more significant impact on the match.
Ben Rutten – West Adelaide
It was a great return to league football for Ben Rutten, whose name is beginning to come up as a ‘possible’ for AFL selection in the coming weeks. Playing at centre half forward for West, Rutten moved very well and created space for himself and fellow forwards. Rutten gained 14 kicks simply because of hard work, and finished well with 8 possessions in the final quarter. West Adelaide relished in having Rutten as a target up forward, who drew smaller players into the game by forcing a contest at every opportunity. With continued solid performances, Ben Rutten could find himself looking at a promotion in due course.
Ronnie Burns – Port Adelaide
Playing in a forward line that probably wasn’t functioning at its best, Ronnie Burns still managed to impress as he looks to force his way into the Adelaide side. Burns gave everything for his teammates, providing shepherds and making space for other forwards. When in possession, Ronnie looked all class whilst attacking the ball strongly, marking cleanly and his goal kicking was pinpoint. Burns had four goals straight to his name at the conclusion of the match. Burns’ work rate was fantastic for the entirety of the match and is certainly pushing for selection.
==============================================
Watts and andrews bring a smile to my face
*cringes*
