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A big challenge awaited Powerhouse against St Johns, who were sitting in 4th spot on the ladder, with only percentage separating both teams. Out of the side this week were Nathan Hunt with work commitments, Wes Old (DJ WOLD) with knee soreness after crouching down to pick up firewood, and Shane Bahr (AKA Neville BAHRos) who was under strict instructions not to play.

Although every game is important, this game was significant as it would decide who ended up in 4th spot, who would keep in touch with the top 3 sides, who would separate themselves from the approaching pack, and whether or not Powerhouse could defeat another top 4 side. Heading into the weeks break, it was a crucial match.

It was not your typical day at the Ross Gregory with the breeze sweeping across the ground, slightly favouring the Collegians end. St Johns got on the front foot and attacked vigorously and kicked the 1st major with Powehouse barely getting a hand on the ball. The House were able to crawl their way back into the contest with some determined work by our defence led by the reliable Edwards and Moresi, and some clever finishing by Wally, who provided much needed pace and spark in the forward line. Going into the break, Powerhouse were up by 1 point, but had their work cut out against a dogged St Johns outfit, and being a couple of soldiers down with a shoulder injury to Jimmy Marshall, and a Hamstring (surprise surprise) to the repeat offender in Disco.

The second term provided a free flowing affair, with the House piling on 6 majors. Jake and Sos were tackling hard, Benny White was sweeping across half back and delivering to half forward with ease, Storma providing many forward 50 entries, giving Wally, Ace and Tayles shots on goal. The pressure on St Johns at the stoppages was immense, and we did not allow their runners an opportunity to get their hands on the ball. A late goal to St Johns kept them in the contest, but the House thoroughly deserved their 20 point lead.

At the break, we knew that we needed to keep up the pressure, and really put the foot down and manufacture a big win. Unfortunately, it was St Johns who bridged the gap in no time whatsoever, with 3 quick goals. Damian “Old Mate” Boland was resolute in defence, but the ball was coming down way too quick. The on ballers battled hard, but St Johns were much sharper on the flanks and were more hungry for the pill. Ace put through a much needed running goal, but St Johns kicked the next 4 to stamp their authority on the game, and turn a 20 point deficit into a 14 point lead at 3QTR time. The House were well and truly out played by a determined St Johns outfit.

Powerhouse needed a big lift in the last, but it was St Johns who got the first, which dented the House’s confidence. Franky and Richie Benson tried valiantly as makeshift ruckmen, and did a superb job. Jake, Sos and Bakes kept running hard in the midfield, and the back 6 kept trying hard led by the solid Paul Edwards. Wigzy was very tight on his man, and Billy Baxter worked tirelessly. But the House simply could get enough drive through the corridor and into their forward 50, and could not score a major for the term. St Johns clearly deserved their victory as they simply wanted the ball more in the last half than we did. A big reality check for the House.

Back to the drawing board for Powerhouse. After the break for Queens Birthday, we have 2 crucial games in old foes Uni High, and our arch rivals Hawthorn, who after a slow start are starting to hit their straps. It is imperative that all players get to training. We have 4 training sessions until our next game. In this time, we need to work on our skills to ensure they are polished enough to tackle Uni High, and above all else, to get that enjoyment back in the side.

See you on the track!

RESERVES

macca