This is 2018 so far… where are we at the halfway point?

With a bye weekend coming up week we take a look at the season to date. It’s been a tough 2018 for the men of the House, but the Women are flying! There’s been some great performances on (and off) the field, here is a snapshot of the season so far…

Seniors

What’s gone right? Back-to-back wins in rounds 4 & 5 has us positioned nicely at the start of the season.

What’s gone wrong? Many games this season have seen the House unable to run out a full game, most of the games we have been in early. The unavailability of senior players through injury has not helped our cause either.

Where can we improve? There are always areas to improve, most of it starts at training. There’s no secret that in football the best trainers are generally the best players. A big focus was put on the last training session this week before the break.

Tackling intensity and pressure will be a challenge for us in the second half of the year also.

Players to watch: Luke Stubbs is back to his 2015 Best and Fairest winning form and leads the goals kicking with 25 majors. Ben Circosta and Adam Collett have been consistent as always along with Steve Devine.

Rhys Gregory has played every game in his return year to the club while first year players Vinny Tassone and Brent Ritchie have also been solid contributors.

Focus for second half of year: If you look at the ladder you will see we are in a tight relegation battle. The obvious focus is to do enough to stay up in division 2.

Key games coming up against Eltham, St Johns and Emmaus will determine our fate.

 

Reserves

What’s gone right? It’s been a tough year for the men in the twos, but a win over Eltham at home in Round 4 was a highlight. It was funny to see more guys in the middle of the song than there was in the outer circle!

What’s gone wrong? Player availability has been difficult all year with no less than 58 players having a run in the Reserves so far. At times we have started the game with 17 on the field or played games with no bench.

Where can we improve?

Players to watch: Tim Arlington has been a solid performer in his first year at the club; earning a senior call up on a few occasions. Jai Fernandez has played every game in his debut season and has provided some much need pace… and youth!

Sten Weislander has brought an international touch to the team and has played every game this year, the big Irishman John Cannon has also made an impact.

Focus for second half of year: The boys will be keen on getting a couple more wins and finishing the season strong, many of the guys have never played before; so skills and learning the game is focus in the next 2 months.

 

Women’s

What’s gone right? The girls have been a hit on and off the field! They have brought so much enthusiasm and energy to the club. Many girls are playing football for the first time and they have really embraced the challenge.

What’s gone wrong? Not too much so far, the girls will be disappointed with coughing up a last minute goal in round 7 which cost them the win! They had to settle for a draw in the end.

Where can we improve? Being the first year for the women there is still much improvement to be had, general ball skills and the rules of AFL are not easy for some of us who have played all our lives… let alone ladies in their first year!

Improved ball skills as well as positioning on the field are key priorities for the second half of the year.

Players to watch: Steph Bell has brought some of her Ice-Hockey experience showing great physicality, she also lead the goals kicking with 8 majors for the year. Sarah Dash has made an impact with 6 goals in her first 2 games.

Captain Anna Kennedy has been solid as a rock across the back line and Ashley Myles has provided much run through the midfield.

Focus for second half of year: Sitting in 3rd place the girls are primed for a finals berth in their maiden season. Much emphasis will be on improving skills and team cohesion, some accuracy on goal will also be a focus as the finals draw near.

Here’s to a big second half of the season and a few more wins!

GO HOUSE!