SENIORS

It seems an eternity since we have sung the song. The last was against the Hawks way back in Round 9 on June 20. Yes, that is 8 whole weeks, or 56 days. Remembering back, we really primed ourselves for the clash against the Hawks. We treated it as a mini grand final to get our season back on track after some below par performances. And that we did with a character building, hard fought victory.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to write these reports, about as difficult it is for Edo to get a free kick, or for Johnny Carroll to seal the deal, or for Fitzy not to raise a sweat. I was perusing the Reserves report written by an accomplished Irishman, who I am not sure wishes for his identity to be revealed, but let me tell you that he follows the mighty Gunners. But it was interesting to note the humour he could generate from his views on a simple game of Aussie Rules, and the banter that can be generated from countless hours at the club, or from the fact that they are WINNING. Are his reports funnier than mine? Well, they may in fact be. So, my challenge is to rival the great Irishman with some classic commentary. Speaking of challenges, and back to the match report, that is what the House need to do is challenge themselves against a finals aspirant on their home deck.

This week we welcome back the most extreme player in the competition, Mr Glenn “Spider” Wilson, The lanky Ryan “Rhino” Anderson after a spell in the Reserves, our skipper Alan Foster after a week out with an ankle injury sustained against the Hawks who was absolutely sensational that day, and Chris “Billy” Baxter who had gone missing for a while. It was a make or break game for the House, and we were champing at the bit to stay up in the division. A loss would make it a difficult task, as we would then need to rely on other results if we could not topple the undisputed champion of the world in Bentleigh in the final round. It was a very windy day for a change, but we should be use to it. After a lovely drive down the freeway, and through the back streets past the commission flats in Doveton, we arrived at the Thomas Carroll Reserve, which looked no better than the lush Ross Gregory. The wind was playing havoc, and we knew it was going to be a tough day at the old orifice.

Fozie lost the toss, and we had to defend in what seemed to be about a 5-6 goal breeze. The lads started well defensively, but St Johns were able to slam home 6 with it with clever shots at goal beyond the 50metre arc, making it very hard to defend. They certainly played to their strengths. The House managed 2 in to the breeze by Kurtsy and Richie Benson, and one would have thought it be enough to mount a serious challenge in the 2nd term with the wind. Reecey continued his stellar form of late with some damaging runs out of defence, and Extreme Wilson was back to his best with sound defending and use of the pill in the back half.

But once again, the Powerhouse boys were unable to make use of the breeze. The second QTR was a grind, and the boys allowed the Jocs too much latitude through the middle where they were able to score easy goals into the wind. Our forwards had little hope as we continued to blaze away, rather than spotting up targets. Edo was well held, with their loos man continually chopping off his leads. It was a QTR to forget from the House, although we could be well pleased with the efforts of Rhino in the ruck, who is developing into a genuine ruckman. Chooka was superb all day, a highlight being a great mark at Centre Half Forward amongst some tall timber.

The lads were as flat as a sh*tcarters hat at the break, staring at their eighth straight defeat. We needed a spark, but just did not know how to win anymore. The House were much more accountable in the 3rd term, not allowing the Jocs to get free. A part from a 5 minute lapse where St Johns scored some lucky goals from long bombs, the House were a lot tougher at the pill, led by the little tough nut in Jakey Whelan. Sos went in to the middle and gave us some clean possession, and Bakes continued to get clearances and give our forwards a chance. Jaye was presenting extremely well, and young ACE Collett was working hard across half forward.

The game was beyond us you would have thought, but we continued to battle hard to gain back some respectability on the scoreboard. St Johns were getting a little cocky out there, giving us the old “Too Old” slur, and commenting on bowing out to D4 next year. The lesson here is DON’T get too far ahead of yourselves boys, as it can come back to bite you on the bum. Edo tried valiantly against the tide, and managed 4 majors for the match which was a sound effort against all odds. Bahry continued to battle in the guts, Fozie led from the front playing under duress, and Billy Bucket Baxter was great on their dangerous number 10#.

The House were a dejected mob in the rooms post match. Their season is going down the gurgler after a promising start. But there is a pulse boys, and with some hard work in the remaining week for the year, we can salvage something. Footy is a funny game. There are highs and there are lows. But you only get out of it what you put in. Nice guys finish last, so now is the time to step up to the plate and be ruthless. Our fate is in our hands. Let us finish the season in style with backs against the wall stuff.

Go House!

RESERVES