SENIORS

This week was Rivalry Round in the VAFA, and accordingly we were matched against our arch rivals in Hawthorn. Over the years we have had some bruising and tight encounters, and this was to be no different. After some soul searching and re-assessment of our goals during the week, we were up for the challenge. Out of the side this week was Franky and “Dogga” Watson who are both on journeys abroad, Wigzy and Owey out through injury, and Bakes through suspension.

Into the side this week was the great Ed Woods and Storma back from 2 weeks in Thailand, Reecey from injury, Jados for his 1st Senior game for the year and big Ryan Anderson in his first senior game for Powerhouse. It was fantastic to see “Rhino” gain an opportunity as he has been playing great footy in the Reserves, and his development over the years has been outstanding. It was a great reward for his hard work and dedication, and countless training nights working on his game. Well done mate!

The focus pre game was second to none, and you could sense the boys were up and about. If you cannot get yourself up for a game like this, then don’t bother rocking up. And as scripted, Powerhouse got off to a flyer, kicking the first 2 goals of the day. Rhino took to the ruck like a fish to water, giving Sos, Jake, Lynchy and Wardey first use of the ball in the middle. But the Hawks were not done with, and managed the next four goals of the term to hold a slender lead. Powerhouse were ferocious, but Hawthorn were extremely committed across half back and we allowed them too much latitude and they ran the ball out with ease and linked extremely well. At the break, we identified that this was an area in which we had to tighten up. Besides that, our voice and hardness at the ball could not be questioned.

Powerhouse started well again in the second with the first 2 majors. Edo was making his presence felt up forward, and Wally was making some of his trademark fast runs around half forward. Hawthorn, however, regained their composure and slammed home four majors, with one just prior to the siren to hold on to their lead. Powerhouse worked tirelessly in the 2nd QTR though, and the scoreboard was not a true reflection. Old Mate and Moresi were doing sterling jobs on Lauletta and Ogge respectively, and Spider was at his best running the ball out of defence. Benny White was showing his silky skills, Jake was running hard, and Foz was doing a great job, often conceding much height when Collins was resting up forward.

At half time, we knew we were in the hunt, but just needed a few things to fall our way. There was a lot more chat and urgency in the rooms, and we did not muck around and got back out on to the ground as quickly as possible, ready for a much improved 3rd QTR effort. Although the Hawks got the 1st major of the term, the House hit their straps and piled on the pressure. Edo was finishing off the hard work done by the midfield and backs, with Reecey providing much run on the wing, in a great duel with Aitken. Coops and Bull were presenting hard, and the Irishman Brian Kyne was in scintillating form on the wing. Special mention also goes to the other Irishman Michael Lynch who was doing a stellar job on their Coach Murray, and even slotted home a nice roving goal that certainly gave the boys a lift. Powerhouse had previously let themselves down in recent 3rd QTRS, and this was a dramatic turn around. Although still behind on the scoreboard, it was game on.

It was a short and sharp address from Coops at the break, probably because he was keen to get back out there, and the boys were champing at the bit. The last was a torrid affair, highlighting why these two teams are such great rivals. Hawthorn held sway with a couple of majors against the tide, which was almost enough to break the spirits of the House. But there was a greater commitment and resolve from the boys from the Ross Gregory. The backline was superb, with Sos putting his body on the line, along with Storma who was getting bashed up a bit, and Wardey stepping up and providing some much needed forward 50 entries. Rhino continued to provide us great service in the Ruck, and Richie Benson stood up like a man possessed, kicking 2 majors and giving us that much needed spark with a great work ethic, and some quality contested marks. With not much time remaining, Ed Woods marked cleverly on the boundary line, and like the true champion he is, went back and slotted his seventh for the day. It was the first time since about the 15minute mark that Powerhouse had hit the lead. It was all hands on deck, and the House controlled the final stages. The Hawks mounted 1 last challenge, but the House chopped out their last effort, all but assuring a great victory to the House.

It was extremely fitting that Old Mate Boland marked and goaled after the siren, in what was his 150th game for the club. It was a fantastic kick, 40 out on the boundary, with the game already sealed. It was icing on the cake after an inspiring display on Lauletta, in which they have formed a great rivalry over the years, and possibly a message to the selectors that he wants to play forward, and not back. On behalf of all the players DB, well done on your achievement. Within this time he has won a best and fairest, 2 premierships, and most importantly, many great friends along the journey.

Well done to all the players who put on a great performance with a gutsy win against Hawthorn, and thanks to all the supporters and past players for coming down to watch a great game, and celebrate a fine victory. Let us now turn our attention to St Francis Xavier who are a pretty good side. They taught us how to play footy in Round 2, so it is time to square the ledger.

RESERVES

Numbers might have been low but moral was high heading into this round 8 encounter with arch rivals Hawthorn.  A very productive team meeting on Thursday night gave the team some notable areas to improve on, namely pride and communication on the field.  This gave the team a focus and everybody looked switched on in the pre game build up.

Unfortunately the injury list continues to grow at the house and coupled with the lure of the European summer which has attracted Bahry, Dogga Watson and Frankie the selection committee did not have to worry about rotations this week. Patty Arnold watched his first game of the year sidelined though injured but luckily Dave Maloney filled the void at full back.  Other inclusions for the week were Andy Boughen, David Welch, Aaron Miller, Scotty Mccrae and Brendan Love who made his debut for the club.   

Ross Gregory oval was looking well thanks to groundskeeper DB aka "The Moth" doing a fine job mid week marking out the boundries.  A stiff breeze swept towards the village drive end of the ground and after the toss the sides lined up with Powerhouse facing into this breeze.  The house started well with new ruckman Gerry "The Big Red" Cleary contesting right from the start.  Mickey V was getting his hands on the footy,  distributing it intelligently and he maintained that form for the duration of the game. Scotty playing in his 50th was busy setting the tone at the back and on a number of occasion let the Hawthorn players know that they would have to work hard to get a sniff at goal.  On the other end Love, Drew and Marty were presenting well and Aaron was making sure the ball didnt make its way out of the hawthorn defence without a battle. After registering a few minors the house straightened up and Marty kicked his first of the day between the big sticks.  This was added to later and the visitors who didnt utilise the breeze could only kick one 6 pointer for the quarter.  Injury concerns grew for the homeside with Macca retiring midway through the opening period after aggrevating an old (very old!) hamstring injury.  At the first smoko it was the homeside that lead 2.1 (13) to 1.3 (9). 

The Second period proved to be the most fruitful one for the house.  Using the wind to great effect they managed to kick 4 majors while limiting the visitors to a dubious goal on the half time Siren.  Most of the play was in the Hawthorn half for this quarter and this was due to some great battling at midfield by the onball brigade of Mickey V, Moz and Plaz.  They were first to everything and didnt wast anytime distributing it to the forward line.  Jermey Plazzer was also starting to make his mark on his way to a best on ground performance. The scrbe is struggling to recall the goal kickers from this quarter but will credit one each to Johnny Brennan and Plazzer sandwiched between two fine efforts by Marty.  It would have to be noted that the house played with 19 players in this quarter as the senior boys got behind the goal and gave the whole reservers team a real lift!  At half time it was 6.5 (41) to 2.3 (15).

During the main interval the house were determined to drive on and dominate the game.  A promise of a beer from the coach if Rocket could maintain his good form for the whole game was enough to ensure he was not going to drop off in his intensity.  Gerry Cleary and his rovers started the quarter where they had left off contesting each and every ball up.  For the third quarter in a row the visitors were restricted to a single goal which was tripled by two Jermey plazzer goals and one for the coleman favourite Marty Leahy. The bench was down the bare thread after this quarter with David Welch picking up a knock and injurying some ribs.  This put a lot of pressure on the homeside with a lot of footy still to be played.  At the final break of the day the scoreboard read 9.6 (60) to 3.5 (23).

With the lack of back up from the bench and another knock being picked up by Eoin English the homeside began to falter a bit in the last.  A lot of players were looking towards the boundary for a possible breather but with noone left to come on it was time to dig deep and see out the remainder of the game.  Dave Maloney was like a brick wall at the back, returning every forward 50 entry with interest to the visitors.  Rocket remained strong with Unit also breaking down a number of attacks.  Even though there was no goal to celebrate in this period the endeavour of the team was a credit to everyone out there and I think the Hawthorn boys conceded that there was no way back against this determined home side.  The game finished 9.8 (62) to 5.5 (35)