Here we were. Finals Football had arrived and after 2 good sessions, AC was trying to ease the tension on Thursday night with the fines before the team was announced. But he was going on so long as to make Warde even angrier than usual as he just wanted to get the team announcing over and done with. In fairness to AC, Richie Benson's fine did take quite a while. Well done Richie, 2nd highest fines total in Club history @ $20, supreme effort!

 

On Sunday in the rooms, Warde was keen to point out the selection casualties of Thursday night and not only would everyone have to gain the respect of their 21 teammates on the field, but also the 7-8 that missed out. Scammell Reserve in Oakleigh South has good memories for a number of the Powerhouse players and coaches, a ground where the club bagged 2 premierships on a sunny day in September 3 years before. But this was 09 and an elimination against a tough opponent in West Brunswick, having had some tough contests against them in the last number of years.

 

A fresh wind was blowing across pockets in conditions that have been the norm for the past 2 months it seems. At least the rain was holding off after a miserable Saturday in Melbourne. Captain Luigi was back in the side and started on the bench to ease him back into it after a 3 week layoff.  A strong line-up saw the return of Cockshow and Dogga back from senior duty and Chris Moran was back after a few weeks nursing his 'dare I mention it'... 'string.

 

Warde asked the boys to be the ones to lift the intensity to Finals level and the response was very definite from the off. Russ was getting 1st use as usual with Ryano starting well in the ruck and Moz, Kynie and Marshall Bull prominent in the opening exchanges. A good mark on the 50 by Marshall saw him kick the games 1st to settle the boys down. House took it on from there, working harder than its opponent and with the aid of the wind, dominated the first 20mins. Micky added to the scoreboard pressure. Powerhouse continued to dominate possession and get it inside 50. Wal sneaked in for a typical goal from a crumb. On rare occasions that it was in the back half, Sammy Watson and Rocket were at their best to win it and set up attack. The icing on the cake in that 1st quarter was a mazy run by the Dogga into the West Brunswick half but with no options he banged it long and a favourable bounce saw it through despite desperate attempted by 2 or 3 West Brunswick backmen. A 5 goal lead with the behinds at quarter time was a fair reflection and Dogga's celebration is a 2 buck fine for sure.

 

Powerhouse were guilty of dropping the pressure off their opponent by 5% and in Finals footy that is a big mistake. 'Westies' had the breeze but the 'House were allowing them greater room around the middle. Up front, the Powerhouse boys were struggling for marking options, Marty spraying his only set shot for the quarter to the right on an angle.  With their tails up, West Brunswick got back in the game, getting the ball inside 50 and bagging the inevitable goals. Some good play saw them mark in the goal square for one, another crumb and a dubious 25metre penalty to cut the gap to a goal. But just as half time approached, some good play saw the boys lock it in the pocket and up stepped the coach to rove a goal from nothing to put some day light in it at the break 5-8 to 3-5.

 

Warde wanted calm in the rooms at half time and to refocus on the 2nd half and get back to the pressure game that has worked so well in the passed 3 months. Again the boys lifted in the 3rd his Kynie everywhere and Jados getting into the game more and more. Dogga was having a storming day off the half back flank and Marshall looks dangerous as always. The boys couldn't apply the scoreboard pressure though, the Westies flooding the backline under siege from Powerhouse who were probably guilty of some rushed kicks but space was at a premium on a small ground with finals pressure. A few behinds to either side, not the best football contest but it was tough Finals footie all the same.

 

Warde just said at 3 quarter time that he believed in this group of players and that if they could bust their gut for the 1st 10mins then the game was theirs. The response was emphatic and 22 players gave their all against a visibly tiring West Brunswick. Marshall Bull stepped up to kick a magnificent goal against the breeze to make it very difficult for the 4th place side. Rocket and Cockshow were magnificent in the final 10 mins under intense pressure as they had the elements on their side. Wal dropped an absolute sitter from Marshy to keep the nerves jangling - (I swear he was laughing as he tried to take the mark!) Kyne took his contested mark after contest mark and Warde, Russ and Maloney continued to dominate to see out a hard fought win not playing their best footie.

 

It was relief more than joy in the rooms after, 1st of 3 hurdles out of the way not playing our best footie but getting the job done. Always a good sign. The song was sung with great gustso all the same. Everyone knows the performance and effort will have to up 30-40% next week. It starts this Tuesday night. Go 'House.