Yass Roos
Match Reports (2008)

Grand Final v Gungahlin 30-08-2008 (Ainslie Oval)

The Grand Final against Gungahlin was the final showdown between the top two teams for 2008. Only 8 points had separated the teams when they last met in the semi-final and Gungahlin came out on top. Although it promised to be a close tough contest the result was a little more one-sided than most expected.

The Roos jumped Gungahlin early and never really let them back into the game. Swinger opened the goal scoring and the Roos dominated the first quarter. The Jets, surprisingly, seemed a little flat and couldn't get any useful possession. At the end of the first quarter the Roos led 5-3-33 to 1-1-7 and the game was in danger of becoming a rout. The Roos were fired up and Terry tried to steady the enthusiasm and stop the boys getting too cocky.

The second quarter saw the Roos continue to dominate with better use of possession. Gungahlin did manage to get a little more scoreboard action but still trailed 2-5-17 to 8-7-55 at half time. They had to find something or this game was going to become an embarassment.

The third was an even contest with the Jets actually outscoring the Roos by two points but realistically this was never going to be enough and their frustration showed as they resorted to some heavy physical contact to try to unsettle the Roos. It didn't work and only saw frees and fifties play into the Roos hands. Three quarter time and the Roos held the lead 12-10-82 to 6-10-46. Twenty-five minutes to play to carry home the trophy.

Nothing was going to spoil the party and the Roos made the most of opportunities in the last quarter to go on with job. Final score: Roos 16-11-107 Jets 8-14-62: ROOS PREMIERS.

Brendan Foran was back from injury (although not 100%) and captained the side on the day. He finished the day with 4 goals and really helped the side lift. Trying to pick the best for the Roos was very difficult as everyone contributed to the comfortable win. Dave Willersdorf followed up from his 100th game last weekend and took the Best-on-Ground in the Grand Final (a nice trophy to take home). Strong games for Ben Scroope, Ben McCallum, Ben Serafin, Brendan, Mick Foran, Dave Brown, Dougy Watchorn, hell, everyone put in! The best half back line in the league was on fire again and put plenty of Gungahlin's attack to the sword. The on-ballers delivered plenty of quality ball to the forwards who finished strongly. It was an absolute pleasure to watch.

And speaking of watching, the crowd of Yass supporters was awesome! Thanks to all those who trekked over to the big smoke. The Club song has never sounded so good as when it rang out across Ainslie Oval, the loudest it has ever been with the help of all the supporters. It was fantastic!

This game should have been tougher! The Terrier for one was nervous as the team named was carrying several players that were nowhere near 100% fit (not that we told anyone beforehand of course). It is amazing what adrenaline and heart can do. The Roos ran out relatively easy winners with only about an 85% fit side against the Jets who had had the week's rest. The break obviously did them no favours.

It has taken a while to get the report out as the Terrier has of course been celebrating; although nowhere near as hard as some (I'm not quite as young and don't have the stamina anymore). What an outstanding year it has been. In the words of big Kev... I'M EXCITED.

2008 the year of the Roos!

I'll see you all at Presentation Night when no doubt more celebrating will be required.

Preliminary Final v Belconnen 23-08-2008

The Roos were out to prove that last week was a minor speed bump on the road to the premiership and after another tight and exciting battle they came out victors over Belconnen 11-10-76 to 7-11-53. The victory was only sealed in about the last 10 minutes of the last quarter and up to then it was another exciting match for the fans with the dream finish that the Roos wanted.

Belconnen got out of the blocks quickly to lead early. It was reminiscent of the home and away game earlier in the year. The Roos responded to keep in touch but went to the first break down 4-4-28 to 2-3-15. The Roos came out fighting in the second quarter and started to get better use of the ball. Unfortunately pressure from Belconnen meant the Roos did not get full value from their scoring opportunities. Half time saw the Roos take the smallest of leads 4-8-32 to 4-7-31.

The feeling in the rooms was that the Roos were going to win it. That one point lead was the springboard needed to spark the Roos. There was never going to be much in this game with both sides fully aware a Grand Final spot was at stake. A couple of goals break would be enough to put the other team on the back foot.

The third quarter was another tight struggle with few scoring opportunities. The Roos made the most of theirs with three straight goals while Belconnen could only manage 1 goal 3 behinds. Three quarter time and the Roos lead 7-8-50 to 5-10-40. The Roos had momentum and came out to stamp their authority in the last quarter. It was a tremendous game and the team and supporters were jubilant. It was great to hear the team song ring out over Manuka Oval.

Daniel Mowbray had a fine game and bagged 4 goals; the rest were singles to Daniel Poidevin, Ben Serafin, Brett Waters, Guy Luckie, Jason Anderson, Leigh French and Kim Boyle. Dave Willersdorf played a great game for his 100th game for the Roos; the first player from the club to achieve this milestone. Mick Foran and Dave Brown combined well to get plenty of drive from the half back line and Ben Scroope had another strong game until a corked thigh forced him to the sidelines.

One more game to go! The Grand Final between the Roos and the Jets should be awesome. Ainslie oval, 12 noon, BE THERE and help the Roos bring Premiership glory home to Yass.

Semi-Final v Gungahlin 16-08-2008

Well the Roos earned the double chance and unfortunately they get to use it after going down to Gungahlin in a very tight nail biter by 8 points. Yass 8-10-58 to Gungahlin 9-12-66.

Yass led at every break but the lead kept getting smaller and half way through the last quarter the Jets drew level. They finished the stronger and the pressure got to the Roos costing them field position. A late goal by the Jets just about sealed it and when they added two behinds it was all over.

I don't think the Fox Terrier was alone in thinking that the umpiring left a lot to be desired. I am not being one eyed here either; it was pretty poor in both directions. It is very hard for players to play to rules that seem to change from decision to decision let alone week to week and the league has to expect players to get frustrated with this erratic umpiring standard.

The game was marred by some dust-ups and a rather ugly melee at the end which resulted in 2 Gungahlin players and Ben McCallum from Yass being reported and facing the tribunal this week. Ben Scroope and Dave Willersdorf had strong games but not enough Yass players stood up on the day. Some players carrying injury were unable to give their best and in this type of game the Roos could not make up for the loss of these players skills.

The loss will see the Roos face Belconnen next weekend in the Preliminary Final after they defeated Goulburn Swans in the knockout semi-final. A win is needed to get the Roos to the Grand Final and a re-match with Gungahlin. Go the Roos.

Round 18 v Harman @ Yass 9 Aug 2008

The Roos went into this one with the terrible news that Andrew Morgan had indeed broken his arm in the Eastlake game and would be out for the season and Brendan Foran will miss at least the first final. The bench also consisted of a couple of players coming back from injury.

Terry put it those on the field that they had to win for the injured players who had done the hard yards to get us where we are. The team responded with, in the end, a comfortable win over Harman 15-19-109 to 4-11-35. The game was a little fiery at times and the Roos had to maintain control over their discipline but they did knuckle down after half time to seal the game in third quarter when they held Harman scoreless. This gave Terry the luxury of resting the returning players for the last quarter to ensure they are right for the Gungahlin clash next week in the Semi-final.

The team is mad keen for the finals to get underway and confident of carrying on the winning form that has seen them sweep all teams aside this year. Two more wins is all that is needed to collect the ultimate prize for 2008.

Leigh French took the Player's Player award.

Round 17 v Eastlake @ Kingston 2 Aug 2008

A depleted Roos finished too strong for Eastlake Demons to record their 15th win for the season. Final score was Roos 17-12-114 to Demons 7-10-52. The game felt a lot closer and the score does flatter the Roos a little. Eastlake fought well and tested the Roos.

Due to injuries and personal activities the Roos had several players unavailable which meant several players were playing in unaccustomed roles and positions. Cohesion was lacking at times but in true Roos style enough players stood up, took the bull by the horns and did enough to register a comfortable win in the end. Stand out of these was Mick Foran in the centre who took the Player's Player award by a comfortable margin. Others to contribute strongly were Dave Brown at half back, Dave Willersdorf, Ben McCallum, Kim Boyle and Doug Watchorn.

The Captain's Choice award went to Brett Curtis who did a sterling job at back pocket. Normally playing further up-field on the wing he adapted to the defensive role very well. Don't get too good at it BC or you might find yourself permanently on staff in the back line!

The win secured the minor premiership for the Roos. The result against Harman next week will not dislodge the Roos from top spot on the ladder whether the Roos win or lose. The only thing at stake next week is the Roos perfect record. With some injury concerns the bigger picture needs to take precedence and some players may be rested to get them right for finals.

Don't for one minute think the Roos will be throwing this game but team selection for Harman could be interesting. Watch this space. Whoever gets out there will be giving it their all to keep the wins coming and reward all those who have contributed to the season and the club. This is the last home game for the season as all finals are played in Canberra.

Round 16 v ANU @ ANU 26 July 2008

A danger game after two weekends without a game and going in with an understrength team. The Roos took to the field with only 21 players and one of those was Qatar ex-pat Shaun White who hadn't played for 18 months. By half way through the second quarter the Roos were down to 19 players with Coxy injured, Lloyd out with a dislocated finger that required hospital treatment and Sero playing on with only one leg fully operational. Despite this the Roos held on to maintain their unbeaten record taking the match 12-14-86 to ANU 10-6-66.

The ANU/Yass matches are really turning out to be great contests and this one was no exception; just the thing for the Roos to get back into match fitness for the finals. There was never much in it and the pressure was really on for the visitors. The South Oval was in terrible condition looking like it had rained for a week in Canberra. You could literally sink to your ankles in some parts of the ground yet the middle was quite firm. They obviously never turn the sprinklers off over there or this ground just has really bad drainage. It always seems to be wet.

Ben McCallum and Ben Scroope had superb games. Doug Watchorn stood tall again especially after we lost Coxy to the sidelines. He even managed a brief foray into the forward line to score his first goal of the season. Neil Ramsay was also resolute in defence. Some interesting umpiring interpretations made it difficult for both teams but it pretty much evened out.

With two matches to go before the finals the Roos main concern is injury management. Several key players are carrying some sort of injury and it may be time for them to sit back and get fit for the finals. I am sure Terry will be planning some strategy to finish out the home and aways and get the best side possible for the finals. Go the Roos!

Round 14 v ADFA @ ADFA 13 July 2008

ADFA forfeit so the Roos get a longer break with the round 15 bye. Although this will cost us in match practice it does give some players a chance to get better prepared for the run to the finals. Some niggling injuries will have a chance to heal more fully and should see a fitter side take the team to the finals.

There are still three more tough home and away games to come and the side is training hard to be ready for these encounters. NO game can be taken lightly with each team we play wanting to be the one to claim bragging rights for defeating the Roos in 2008. The Roos are aiming to make sure this doesn't happen.

Round 13 v Murrumbidgee @ Stirling 5 July 2008

Yass 31-13-199 defeated the Juggernauts 1-8-14. Not much to report on this very one-sided affair that was realistically over by quarter time when the Roos led 8-4-52 to one point and if not then by half time with the lead extended to 16-7-103 to Murrumbidgee 5 points.

This match was only good as a training run for the Roos to prepare for the rest of the season. Doug Watchorn had another fine game at Centre Half Back to take the Players Player and Mick Foran took the Captain's Choice award. Just about all the forwards added to their goal tally with Swinger getting 8 and Brendan adding 7 to his season total. Ando got 6 while Poido and Leigh picked up 3 each.

A sterling effort by the mid-field provided plenty of ball for the forwards and again the miserly backs let nothing past. A fine performance by the Roos that may have stalled Murrumbidgee's hopes for a finals berth.

Round 12 v Gungahlin @ Yass 28 June 2008

Well the much anticipated game against the other undefeated side in the competition saw the Roos come out victorious to maintain their unbeaten record and gain a 6 point buffer from Gungahlin at the top of the ladder. The final result was Yass 15-13-103 defeating Gungahlin 12-7-79.

In what, frustratingly, seems to be a Yass trait they started slowly, allowing Gungahlin the first three goals of the game. By the end of the first quarter however, the Roos were back on top and went to the break with 6-3-39 to Gungahlin's 3-1-19. Brendan Foran was getting his hands on the footy and kicked four in the first quarter despite being double tagged again. The second quarter saw the Roos continue to maintain ascendency only allowing the Jets to get 2 behinds while adding 3-4 themselves. Half time it was Roos 9-7-61 Gungahlin 3-3-21.

Despite the handy lead this game was never going to be easy and Gungahlin always looked capable of bridging the gap if the Roos faltered. The third quarter saw the Roos edge a little further ahead but never really put Gungahlin away. Ryan Cox had to come off in third after twisting his knee and this caused some hasty re-shuffling in the backline. The Roos went into the last leading 13-9-87 to 6-3-39 and really wanted to finish strongly.

Gungahlin had other ideas though and they came out hard in the last quarter never conceding defeat. The Roos backline was unsettled with several players out of position due the the re-shuffle with Coxy out and Gungahlin took full advantage. They won the last quarter by 4 goals but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit and the Roos song was once again ringing out across O'Connor Park.

Brendan Foran finished with 8 goals to his credit and Daniel Poidevin was the only other multiple goal scorer with two. Singles went Guy Luckie, Jason Anderson, Ben Serafin, Ben McCallum and Scott Waters. I don't know the Player awards but I will add them during the week.

A couple of injuries came out of this one and some off footy activities abd I will update the injury list as I know more. It was good to see Jacko running around again and he did a great job as Runner for the day. We hope to see him back on the training paddock and you never know when he may be out there in anger again too. Thanks to Roos army who came out for Sponsors Day and once agian to the Junior Roos and their parents for their support. I think Coach Terry has come up with the rallying slogan for this season: Our Team, Our Town, Our Time!

Roll on the Roos!

Round 11 v Cooma @ Snowy Oval 21 June 2008

The annual bus trip to Cooma yielded another win for the Roos when they held out against the Cats 14-17-101 to 4-4-28. It was not a pretty game, played in fine but windy weather, but the skills were ordinary from both sides. The Roos had plenty of scoring opportunities but the strong wind played havoc with set shots for goal.

Kim Boyle and Ben McCallum scored three goals each while Brendan Foran could only manage two goals when he was double tagged for most of the match. This let Dave Brown have a free run from half back and he snuck forward to get two goals himself (a feat he will no doubt not let anyone forget). One of these came from a handball from Brendan so the captain wasn't selfish. Doug Watchorn moved across to Centre Half Back for this game and played a blinder. He was always constructive with his possessions and let virtually nothing past. Doug was rewarded witht the Player's Player votes for this game.

Due to the bus trip and the fact I wasn't on it, I can't really add much more. I might add a bit more to the report during the week if there are any details I can publish.

Coach Terry's comment at the end, that the best thing about this game was that it was over probably summed it up perfectly: Nothing to get excited about but we got the four points. The team now needs to knuckle down during the week at training to prepare themselves for what will be one of the BIG games of the season next weekend when Yass take on Gungahlin at O'Connor Park. This is the match between the top two teams of this year and has been a much anticipated clash by both clubs. You don't want to miss this one. The action starts at 2:00pm on Saturday 28 June. Make sure you are there to cheer on the Roos.

Round 10 v Eastlake @ Yass 14 June 2008

Eastlake journeyed to Yass for the round ten clash and although Eastlake got the first goal of the match the Roos slow start soon gave to way to a steady flow of scoring opportunities for the forward line. Quarter time saw the Roos well established with 7-1-43 to 2-3-15. Conditions were good with bright sunshine and only a gentle, if cool, breeze.

Yass kept the pressure on for the entire game not letting Eastlake ever get an upper hand. The Roos just became relentless and the game was pretty much gone from half time for Eastlake (Yass 15-5-95 to Eastlake 2-6-18). Once again the Roos built their scoring opportunities from an unstoppable centre/on-ball combination that continually provided good delivery to the eager forwards. Captain Brendan Foran helped himself to 11 goals in a superb display at full forward and Ben Serafin played a stunning game on the ball and also managed to bag 5 goals of his own. They both thoroughly deserved their joint win as Player's Player. Andrew Morgan put in another sterling performance to get the runner-up gong. Whenever the ball did make it down the Eastlake end the Roos backline were there to mop-up and get things going forward again.

Captain's Choice award went to Broughton Webb who in the captain's words played his best game to date and also scored 3 goals from the forward pocket. Leigh French scored 4 and Daniel Poidevin, Ben Scroope and Chris Dawe got doubles while Andy Morgan, Kim Boyle and Scott Waters got one each. The final score saw the Roos biggest win so far this season; 32-15-207 to 5-10-40.

Lachlan Webb also had a good game making the most of his game time. In fact the whole team played well, contributing to a very strong powerhouse display of Aussie Rules. Thanks again to the support crew and to Eileen and Grace for standing in as Team Manager while John is on holidays. It was particularly pleasing to see the great roll-up of Junior Roos who stayed on after their game to watch and help out on the boundary and scoreboard. I am sure they would have enjoyed the spectacle and the team really appreciated their willing assistance. Fantastic! That's what footy is all about. I remember the exciting Saturdays of my childhood, getting down to watch the Seniors play and having a great time helping out if you could. The smell of the liniment, the clash of bodies, the cheers of the crowd, the sound of car horns after each goal, Ahhhhhh heaven.

Next week it's the road trip to chilly Cooma. More work to be done and the team is pumped for a big game. See you there.

Round 8 v Harman @ Harman 24 May 2008

The Roos took on 4th placed Harman under perfect conditions and did enough to come away with a respectable win. Final score was Yass 16-10-106 to Harman 7-12-54. Yass led at every change steadily increasing the lead as the game progressed. The last quarter saw the Roos take the foot off the pedal a bit but even so still managed to just outscore Harman for the quarter. The second and third quarters really set up the win and it was good to again see the goal:behind ratio back in the right territory again.

For some unknown reason it was difficult to handle the ball for a lot of players and the game never really reached great heights as a spectacle (unlike Willo's speccy attempt that didn't quite come off). It would probably best be described as a workman-like win. Warrick 'Capper' Dunstan has also been assigned to extra goal kicking practice after his return of 2 goals from about 6 attempts. The Fox has decided that his ideal kicking distance is about 2 metres for a set shot :-)

Brendan Foran was back on song at Full-forward with the umpires finally rewarding his in-front performance (unlike last week where he couldn't buy a free kick) and he returned a fine 9 goal haul. Player's player was Ben McCallum and Captain's Choice went to Dave Brown. In the votes again were Dave Willersdorf, Andrew Morgan Ben Serafin and Daniel Smith. Unfortunately there are a couple of injuries to report; Daniel Mowbray, calf and Kim Boyle, hamstring. Daniel Smith aggravated a corked muscle as well so for them and the team the two week break will be a good chance to get fit again and minimise the missed games.

Once again the Roos supporters were out in style even though most were forced to carry their gear onto the base due to the tight security requiring cars to be parked off-base. It's great to see the supporters out there every week. Also a big thank you to the Water's Team for providing strapping/massage/medical duties while Mel is unavailable due to work commitments. You guys are doing a fine job much appreciated by the team.

Our next game is at home against Eastlake on 14 June at 2pm. The Junior Roos will be at home against Magpies at 11am as well so why not make a day of it and head on down to O'Connor Park for some exciting Aussie footy action. See you there.

Round 7 v Goulburn @ Yass 17 May 2008

The return game against Goulburn came around very quickly in this year's weird draw and the Roos went into the game with expectations of a tough encounter. Conditions were about as miserable as they could be at O'Connor Park with wind, drizzly rain and a wind chill of about 0 degrees. Despite some early desperation in front of goal leading to wayward scoring by the Roos the result was another strong win to maintain the Roos unbeaten record for 2008. Yass ran out winners 16-24-120 to Goulburn 3-7-25. Yass will hold the BurnAss Cup for another 12 months.

This week's game saw the half back line step up to grab the limelight with a Player's Player performance by Ryan Cox and a sterling effort from Doug Watchorn. Dave Brown had another strong game as well. The forwards did well despite Brendan Foran being well held by the Full Back from Goulburn. Captain's Choice award and runner-up again in Player's Player was Andrew Morgan and if this bloke doesn't feature well in the best and fairest for the club this year then the voter's are blind in one eye and can't see out the other. The hair style award went to Daniel Smith and Dave Willersdorf missed out on the spoon.

Goulburn had glimpses of form and some good efforts by some of their players but couldn't seem to get any penetration into their forward fifty. The Fox would give this win to the efforts of the Roos Half Back Line and the Centres who were solid all day and provided plenty of possession for the forwards to score. The Roos probably had done enough by mid-way through the third quarter to take the win but again it was encouraging to see they did not rest on their laurels but went on to add some goals to try and balance the ledger with the behinds scored. Coach Terry's only food for thought was that with 40 scoring shots to ten, to win by only 95 points was not good value for the opportunities won and the team must think about this when the crunch games come.

Top of the ladder is safe for another week and the Roos head over to Canberra next Saturday, 12 noon, for the game against Harman.

A big thank you this week to Wendy Waters and Leslie Scroope for medical and strapping duties while Mel had work commitments and although they were understandably hidng in their cars the home crowd of supporters were very much appreciated again. Also to our intrepid canteen crew who braved the miserable conditions to provide great service; thank you very much. Canberra may well be culling roos but out Yass way the Roos are flourishing in 2008. Well done team; keep it going.

Round 6 v Cootamundra @ Yass 10 May 2008

In what could have been a danger game when Yass (top of the ladder) took on Cootamundra (bottom of the ladder) the Roos continued their winning form with a very "well constructed victory" (in the words of coach Terry Lemon). The final score was a percentage boosting 26-11-167 to 5-12-42.

It wasn't all plain sailing with Coota providing good competition for the ball but not being able to capitalise on the scoreboard. Depression had set in for Coota by the last quarter when the Roos piled on 9 goals to donut (0) to ram home the advantage. From the Fox's viewpoint (in the backline) the last quarter was magic to watch. The centre was awesome with Dave Willersdorf tapping at will to Mick Foran, Ben Scroope and Andrew Morgan and then the silky delivery to the forward line to finish off with goals. The few times Coota managed to cross their fifty were ably repelled by the back line and sent down field to the eager forwards.

The only negative for the Roos was an unfortunate clash that had star midfielder Ben Serafin seeing stars early in the game and he took no further part with suspected concussion. We all hope he is OK and has a speedy recovery. It was good to go on and record a healthy win for Ben even if he might not remember it. One of the Coota players also received a nasty gash to the head after accidental contact in another contest for the ball. A trip to Yass Hospital for five stitches to secure the wound was required.

Player's Player for the Roos was Captain Brendan Foran who amassed 9 goals from his own boot in a devastating display at full forward. Runners-up were Ben Scroope and Andrew Morgan and Captain's Choice went to Ryan Cox who had a great game in the backline. Coach's Award would have gone to Adrian Paull if the spoons were still on offer (thanks Coxy, Adrian will see you later). Roos debutante Daniel Mowbray had a strong first up game although he was heard to comment that he would be suffering for a few days. Welcome aboard Daniel and well done.

The Roo Army of Supporters were out again and much appreciated by the Team. Thanks to all the supporters, helpers, canteen staff, set-up people, Runners, Strappers, First Aiders, Coaching staff, local umpires (AJ, Paul), Sponsors and anyone else who is on board with the Roos. Let's keep the team rolling on in 2008. At this rate the team might actually know the team song by the end of the year.

Round 5 v Belconnen @ Jamison 4 May 2008

The Roos notched up five wins from five matches when they overpowered the competition leaders Belconnen on Sunday. The weather was perfect and so was the result as the Roos won every quarter in a fine display of tough running footy. The final score was 15-15-105 to 10-8-68 with the Roos powering away in the last quarter to establish the good winning margin. This win puts the Roos in Top spot on the ladder with Gungahlin, Belconnen and Harman making up the top four. Check the AFL Canberra site for full details and results.

Belconnen opened the game sharply scoring 3-1 before the Roos even managed to get the ball to their forward fifty and some were thinking this could get ugly. But the Roos settled well and in their typical recent style set about their game plan, knuckled down and did what was required. With Brendan Foran providing a great target at full forward the Roos started to dominate and by the end of the quarter had established a small lead. Just how versatile is the Captain? So far this season he has played Back Pocket, Centre and Full Forward and done a sterling job in each.

With no scoreboard in operation it was difficult to determine who was leading but the Roos maintained a 2 to 3 goal lead for most of the game. Players Player was Brett Waters who played a blinder of a game (even more outstanding as he was backing up from a game of Union the day before), scoring two goals and generally menacing the Belconnen players with good solid tackles. Runners-up were Ben Serafin and Daniel Smith and Daniel also secured the Captain's Choice Award with another solid on-ball performance. Solid games from Andrew Morgan and the half back line of Doug Watchorn, Ryan Cox and Dave Brown also contributed to the overall fine showing of the team. Goalkickers were Brendan Foran 5, Ben Serafin 3, Brett Waters 2 and 1 each to Ben Scroope, Andrew Morgan, Scott Waters, Daniel Smith and Jason Anderson.

This game was seen as a real guide to the Roos form for this year and they have come through with flying colours. Maintaining the one game at a time focus and playing good team football should see them continue to do well. This week it's another home game against country rivals Cootamundra on Saturday at 2pm. Be there to cheer on the boys. It was especially gratifying to see the large contingent of Yass supporters (outnumbering Belconnen supporters at least 3:1) who travelled to Jamison for the game and it was fantastic to give them another good spectacle and a win to celebrate.

Round 4 v ADFA @ Yass 27 April 2008

In bitterly cold and wet conditions the Roos stormed to victory number 4 over a lacklustre ADFA team. The final score saw Yass with a percentage boosting 13-12-90 to 0-3-3 win. Maybe the ADFA boys had spent a little too long on the ANZAC day activities but they had no answer to the running style and ball delivery of the Roos. ADFA failed to register a score until the 3rd quarter and were probably a bit unlucky to have one shot at goal ruled as a behind when many (including the Roos) thought it was clearly a goal.

That is not to say the Roos played brilliantly. There was plenty of scope for improvement and if ADFA had been stronger and better skilled some of the Roos mistakes could have been more telling. However a win is a win and this was still a good one. The full results for the round are not in as I write this but the win should see the Roos advance to second place on the ladder.

Players Player was Dave Willersdorf who delivered another fine ruck performance. Runners-up were Daniel Smith and Andrew Morgan both with very strong games. Captains Choice went to Andrew Morgan and Coaches Award went to Scott Waters a new player who is really starting to get the hang of it and making an impression.

This sets up next week's game against Belconnen as a top of the table clash that will decide a clear leader early in the season. The team is very pumped for this one. Be there at Jamison oval next Sunday 12 noon for what should be a terrific game.

Round 3 v Murrumbidgee @ Yass 19 April 2008

Three games - three wins! The Roos finally managed to beat the Juggernauts after 7 years in the competition. The final score 18-16-124 to 11-3-69 saw the Roos notch up a healthy victory and maintain third spot on the ladder with the only other unbeaten sides Belconnen on top and Gungahlin in second place.

Players Player was Brendan Foran after a sterling captain's game leading from the front and scoring 4 goals from his own boot. Runner-up and Coach's award went to the aging fox terrier (Wayde Chalmers) and Captains Choice went to Daniel Poidevin after a fine performance at Full Forward with 5 goals.

Despite some still wayward finishing for goal the Roos hit out early to lead 4-4-28 to 1-0-6 at quarter time and never really relinquished the lead. At times it looked as though Murrumbidgee would get it together and put on some pressure but the Roos were always able to respond and re-establish dominance. A fine win with plenty more improvement to come with some poor decision making at times letting the opposition look good. Some better skills will really see the team hit their straps and dominate the competition.

Go Roos!

Round 2 v Goulburn @ Kenmore 12 April 2008

In a magnificent come from behind second half turnaround the Yass Roos stormed home to defeat the Goulburn Swans 17-8-110 to 13-10-88. The game threatened to degenerate into niggles and scuffles during the second quarter but an inspirational chat at half time by coach Terry Lemon got the team back to playing football.

By three quarter time a 19 point deficit at half time had been whittled back to one point by the Roos and they continued on in the last through some exceptional work by the centre field combination. On a day when the backline toiled hard but just didn't seem to be able to get on top it came down to the on-ballers and centres to provide the drive forward to give the leading forwards the opportunity to score. A much healthier goal to behind ratio also made the job easier with good value for our scoring shots.

There was much to admire about this win. The Roos refused to give in and also did not let their discipline drop despite some interesting umpiring decisions. The emotion and aggression was perfectly channelled into extra effort for the ball.

The entire centre crew of Dave Willersdorf, Damian Waters, Daniel Smith, Ben Serafin, Andrew Morgan, Mick Foran and Ben Scroope played a big role in the win. Broughton Webb kicked his first goal and his brother had a good debut game. Goal scoring was again shared amongst the forwards.

A top team effort to bring in win number two and keep the team near the top of the ladder.

Round 1 v ANU @ Yass 5 April 2008

Round one: bring it on. Well they did and the Roos hung on for a well fought victory against the reigning premiers ANU at O'Connor Park. It was not without a lot of nail biting from all concerned as the Roos did their best to keep ANU in the game with some terrible kicking for goal. The final score of 12-21-93 to 13-12-90 reflects that with 33 scoring shots to 25 the Roos had plenty of opportunity to close out the match well and truly. Quarter time saw the Roos kick 8 behinds before their first goal (1-8-14) to ANU 2-4-16. The boys got the kicking boots on the right feet for the second quarter scoring 6-1 to 5-1 to lead by four points at half time.

The break didn't help as they then went out and tried damn hard to throw it all away. The Roos absolutely dominated possession but couldn't score goals to save themselves. One goal eleven behinds to ANU's 2-1 saw the half time score at Roos 8-20-68 to ANU 9-6-60.

ANU came out fired up in the last quarter to kick three quick goals and gain the lead. The Roos came back to lead and from there it was a knock-down drag em out scramble to get to the line in front. The backline toughed it out and the pressure saw the Roos register the win despite ANU outscoring the Roos in the last and having enough scoring opportunities to take the match(4-6 to 4-1).

Players Player was Daniel Smith from runners-up Ben Serafin and Mick Foran and the new weekly Captain's Choice award went to Ben Serafin. Goal scorers were Leigh French, Daniel Poidevin, Guy Luckie 3 each, Ben Serafin 2 and Jason Anderson 1.

The only injury was to Jacko with a badly corked calf which could see him out for a few weeks.

Well done team for the best start we could wish for. It was particularly well done with only 18 fit players for the second half and several regulars unavailable on the day. The Roos sit in 4th spot on the ladder after Round 1 with 103% and a road trip to Goulburn next week.

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