Yass Roos
Match Reports 2009

Round 17 v ANU 01-08-2009 (ANU South)

A win would secure fourth spot; a loss could mean finishing fifth. That was the equation for the Roos and unfortunately it didn't add up on the day. ANU were fired up and desperate to secure the last finals berth for 2009. They played tough relentless footy and maintained possession to not only win but by winning with the margin they did, they may have snuffed out the opportunity for the Roos to sneak in next week on percentage.

From the Roos view this was not a good one. The team found it difficult to establish control anywhere on the field and there were only flashes of the skill and teamwork that saw the recent wins against Belconnen and the close race with the Swans. Although there was plenty of motivation and desperation the Roos just couldn't keep with ANU. The 'students' worked the loose man well and played good possession footy. The conversion rate was not good but with the amount of ball they had they could afford to be a little wayward. Final score was ANU 12-17-89 to Yass 7-6-48.

The Roos just couldn't string together a coherent attack. At 2-8-20 to 0-2-2 at quarter time the weight of possession was with ANU but they didn't really make the Roos pay on the scoreboard. A more even second quarter saw the Roos still in the hunt at half time with the score ANU 5-10-40 to Roos 3-3-21. The third quarter swung back to ANU but again they failed to capitialise kicking 3-5 to the Roos 2-2. A lead of 63 to 35 on a boggy track was going to be enough for ANU but they went for the jugular and again outscored the Roos in the last quarter to take the match comfortably.

I didn't get to the Aussie so I don't know the Player's Player but the best on the day were Cian Ebert, Kim Boyle, Doug Watchorn, Tim Stevens, Damian Waters and Ben Serafin. Craig Smith scored 2 goals and 1 each to Daniel Poidevin, Jason Anderson, Brendan Foran, Daniel Smith and Ben Serafin.

The statistician, Storky, dragged out the calculator and rough figures have ANU in fourth spot with 128% and the Roos in fifth with 122%, both on the same game points. Next week's last round matches sees the Roos take on Cooma at Joe O'Connor Park and ANU tackles Eastlake at Kingston. On form, both the Roos and ANU should win so, barring an upset, percentage will determine the fourth spot on the ladder. It will take a massive win by the Roos to turn around the difference (and a close result in the ANU/Eastlake game will help). Let's just say this is not the ideal way to be trying to secure a finals berth.

Make sure you are there next week as it will be a huge day of footy action. The Junior Roos have all their teams at home with a Gala day for the Under 8s and 9s followed by the Under 12s and the Roos/Cooma game. The Roos will be determined to rack up a score against the Cats and give themselves whatever chance they can of making finals. It all gets under way around 9am. See you there and Go the mighty Eastlake! :-)

Round 15 v Goulburn 18-07-2009 (Joe O'Connor Park)

First versus fourth on the ladder was billed as the match of the round and this game certainly didn't disappoint. In a scrambling battle that played out till the last quarter Goulburn snatched the win 13-5-83 to 10-11-71. Better use of scoring opportunities gave the Swans the win but it was a close encounter for the whole game and very exciting to watch.

The Roos hit hard from the start to shock the Swans and lead at the end of quarter one 4-4-28 to 2-1-13. The Roos were carrying on their form from the previous week even though several players were missing from the line-up. The crowd sensed an upset could be on the cards and so did the Swans.

Both teams ground it out in the second with the Swans starting to gain some momentum and getting back in touch on the scoreboard. Half time saw the Swans leading by a solitary point: 6-2-38 to the Roos 5-7-37. The pressure was on and the crowd was pumped for a nail biting second half.

It was the Roos that took the honours in the third leading the scoring to finish 9-8-62 to 9-3-57. It all came down to the run home. The Roos kicked the first goal out of three quarter time but before they had time to celebrate the Swans responded with two quick ones to lead by a point. This, unfortunately, was the turning point that saw the win go to the Swans. The added pressure of being behind with limited time on the clock played havoc with the Roos game and the Swans capitalized on mistakes to maintain possession and keep up the scoring pressure. Some costly lapses in discipline under pressure saw 50m penalties aid Goulburn's cause and they eventually finished up winners.

The Roos were well served by all players in very close scrambly match that could easily have resulted in an upset win. Best on the day were Ben Serafin in a very strong performance, Daniel Smth, Kim Boyle, Tom Hanson, Aaron Campbell and Brett Curtis. Daniel Poidevin scored 4 goals, Mick Hadley 3, Jason Anderson 2 and Dave Brown 1.

The fox terrier couldn't stay at the Aussie to find out who the Player's Player at the time of writing but I will update this article when I know. Belconnen next week at Kippax; it's going to be a beauty!

Round 14 v Belconnen 12-07-2009 (Joe O'Connor Park)

In one of the most important games of the season for the Roos the team really turned up to play and gave Belconnnen its biggest defeat of the season so far. The Roos were on fire from the opening bounce and never looked back, storming home to a 26-7-163 to 6-10-46 drubbing of the Magpies.

The opening quarter set the scene with Roos going to the first break 6-3-39 to 0-2-2. From there the Magpies could only stand and watch as the Roos went on a scoring rampage with 6 goals for each of the first three quarters and just to make sure of the percentage boost 8 goals in the last.

Ben Serafin celebrated his 100th game for the Roos in fine style picking Player's Player and enjoying a sweet victory. Goal scorers were aplenty with Craig Smith 5, Daniel Poidevin 5, Jason Anderson 4, Jason Smith 3, Brett Curtis 2, Brendan Foran 2, Ben Serafin 2, Dave Brown, Damion Phillip and Cian Ebert 1 each.

I can't wait for next weeks clash against Goulburn. The Roos will be out to avenge the embarassment of last time and if they take anything like this week's form into the game it should be a cracker! It is also Sponsor's Day so hopefully there will be plenty of support from the sidelines. Go the Roos!

Round 13 v Murrumbidgee 05-07-2009 (Stirling)

The Fox Terrier has been absent from games for a while but I did manage to get to the game against Murrumbidgee. It was a magic day for footy. The Roos, with only 18 players, went about the match in workmanlike style to run out comfortable winners in a very one-sided match. Murrumbidgee were also light on for players until about half time. The final score was 31-18-204 to 5-1-31.

With only one small patch in the second quarter the Juggers offered little resistance and the Roos took the opportunity to add some percentage. Lloyd Scroope played a blinder and deservedly picked up the Player's Player award with Jason Anderson the runner-up. Despite the big win there are still some areas the Roos need to get right. Delivery was sloppy in places by hand and foot and better teams will capitalise on these lapses.

Goal scorers were: J. ANDERSON 9, C. SMITH 4, D. POIDEVIN 3, B. SERAFIN 3, D. WATERS 3, D. BROWN 2, C. Ebert 2, A. PAULL, B. Foran, D. SMITH, D. Phillipa, L. Scroope 1 each. The best for Yass on the day were Cian Ebert, Jason Anderson, Craig Smith, Damon Phillipa, Dave Brown and Lloyd Scroope.

The Roos head into some tough games and really need to take some wins against the teams above them to maintain the fight for the finals. The last rounds see matches against Belconnen (twice), Goulburn (undefeated so far), ANU (vying with Yass for the fourth spot) and Cooma (at home for the first time in ages!) so the Roos must aim to put the absolute best team they can out there and play as a team.

The next two games are at home: I'll see you there.

Round 7 v ADFA 23-05-2009 (Joe O'Connor Park)

No Report. We won 9-13-67 to ADFA 6-13-49. A full team was available even though it was not as named on Wednesday. Still some more to get out there as well. It was nice to be back in the winners circle again after a frustrating run of losses. Hopefully this will the team some momentum over the next few weeks.

Player's Player was Brett Curtis. Well done BC. Next week sees a Sunday game at Coota. Always a tough road trip. Let's hope we can bring home the spoils and get a bit of winning streak under way. See you there.

Round 6 v Goulburn 16-05-2009 (Kenmore)

In my new role of retired player I was unable to get to the Goulburn game. Instead I was a spectating parent at the "real" football. I witnessed a demolition of a team and to the tune of 15 gaols to one and as it turned out I would have seen something similar had I been in Goulburn. The Roos could only front 16 players and paid the price dearly as Goulburn scored regularly to take an easy win 20-17-137 to 1-2-8.

Steve Armstrong celebrated 350 games in style and both his sons played along side during the milestone game. Congratulations to Steve on a fine career.

Daniel Smith was Player's Player and Mick Hadley kicked the Roos only goal.

Where have all our players gone? I think Storky has 13 new signings on the books plus a good crop of our seasoned regulars and we can only get 16 players to take on the top of the ladder side! This is not the way to go about getting to finals for a chance to once again hoist the premiership flag. Let's just hope the last three weeks act as wake up and we see some commitment to the club and fellow players. Come on Roos, we are the premiers; lets start getting to training and games and playing like premiers.

Round 5 v ANU 09-05-209 (Joe O'Connor Park)

The Roos let another one get away with a less than sparkling opening half. ANU repeated the dose of last week and the Roos played catch-up. A strong third quarter by the Roos was not enough and ANU finished strongly to take the points 17-9-111 to the Roos 12-4-76.

It has been mentioned that thsi report was a bit short. I wil try to do better when I see games frolm the sideline. It is not always easy to remember games enought o make an interesting and accurate report when you are playing.

The Fox Terrier was too buggered after the game to get to the pub. Damon Phillipa took out the Player's Player and in what turned out to be his last game ( the body has finally said enough is enough) the Fox Terrier snagged the runner-up. Goal scorers were Ben Serafin 3, Daniel Poidevin 2, Jason Anderson 2 and Craig Smith, Brendan Foran, Cameron Attwell, Damon Phillipa, Nathan Potts 1 each. The team really needs to get some focus for next weeks tough away game against the only undefeated side Goulburn.

Round 4 v Eastlake 02-05-2009 (Joe O'Connor Park)

The comeback was too late: the start was too slow. In a flashback to the bad old days the Roos were caught napping in the first quarter by a fired up Eastlake outfit. Despite outscoring Eastlake for the next three quarters the 1-1-7 to 7-2-44 deficit at quarter time was just too big. Eastlake went home after calling into the sponsors pub for a few ales (thanks guys) with a well deserved win.

The final score was Yass 14-8-92, Eastlake 16-11-107. At least our kicking for goal was a little better. The fight back was also a positive to take from the game as again an undermanned side took to the field for the Roos. We did have two more than last week and you never know; one day we might be able to get 22 blokes on the paddock. It's definitely not all doom and gloom.

Player's Player went to Dave Brown who had another very strong game with runners-up Ben Serafin and Jason Anderson. Goal scorers were Aaron Campbell 4, Ben Serafin 2, Daniel Smith 2, Justin Smith 2 and 1 each to Brett Curtis, Brendan Foran, Kim Boyle and Jason Anderson.

This was good lesson for the team that you not only have to turn up to a game but be prepared to get stuck in right from the start. The low-key laid-back approach might need a rethink. Let's take this as a wake up and make sure we are there at the pointy end to really defend the flag. Go the Roos.

Round 3 v Harman 25-04-2009 (Harman)

ANZAC Day and the Roos were at Hog Park to do battle with Harman. Seventeen players were all that could be found to represent Yass so regardless of form this was always going to be a big ask. The first quarter was like de ja vu of last week with the Roos struggling to get goals in the tricky wind conditions. The ground was in excellent condition despite overnight rain but the wind was gusty making goal scoring a bit hit and miss. At quarter time Yass led 1-8-14 to 2-1-13.

Harman got away in the second quarter using local knowledge to get in the best spot for the wind conditions to assist their goal kicking. Half time had the Roos down with Harman 6-2-38 to Yass 2-9-21. It was a bit quiet in the Roos camp but with time to think the Roos came out in the third quarter determined to give a good hard go. The seventeen were still standing and the break was enough to recharge the batteries and focus on the job ahead.

The third quarter saw the tables turn with Yass making the most of opportunities and in an exciting turnaround they were only one point down at the last break. Yass 7-10-52 to Harman 8-5-53. The last session was going to be another nail-biter. Desperation from both sides saw another thriller with several lead changes. The siren went with Yass in front to take the points in another entertaining encounter. Final score was Yass 11-12-78 to Harman 11-6-72.

The Hogs would have been disappointed not to have held on to win this one but the Roos were just a little more desperate. A fantastic effort by all seventeen players dragged home another win. Goal scorers were Daniel Poidevin 4, Aaron Campbell 3, Jason Anderson 2, Dave Brown and Ben Serafin 1 each. Players Player was awarded to Wayde Chalmers (probably in recognition as the oldest 'veteran' there on ANZAC Day) with Ben Serafin and Dave Brown runners-up. Other notables included Daniel Poidevin, Craig Smith and Damon Phillipa. Once again a great team performance saw the Roos snag the win. Considering the talent that wasn't playing, this was a terrific win and if ever the Roos can name their best team (and a full team!) the results should be stunning.

Round 2 v Gungahlin 18-04-2009 (Joe O'Connor Park)

The Grand Final re-match promised to be a terrific match and it certainly didn't disappoint. The new look Roos (both in uniform and player list) fought out a tough see-sawing encounter and in a nail-biting last quarter that saw several lead changes, took the win over Gungahlin with a Mick Foran goal in the last minute of the game.

Several new players took the field for the first time in Roos colours and it was always going to be interesting to see how the team worked together. Everyone was a bit nervous about how it would go.

The first quarter yielded plenty of possession for the Roos but many scoring opportunities only resulted in behinds. In fact the Roos had eight shots before registering their first goal. Another before quarter time had the Roos narrowly in front 2-8-20 to the Jets 2-3-15. Both teams were moving the ball around well in the centre but found it difficult to create useful scoring chances. The Jets got more of the ball in the second quarter but couldn't capitalise on the scoreboard and went to the long break one point down; Yass 4-8-32, Gungahlin 4-7-31. It was going to be a physical, low scoring match.

A couple of the new signings for Yass were getting some good touches. Craig Smith was making plenty of space in the middle and presenting good options while Minh Ha on the half back line was providing strong drive and racking up stats.

Scoring shots were pretty much even in the third quarter but the better accuracy (finally) of the Roos saw them edge ahead to establish a small break; 8-9-57 to Gungahlin 6-10-46. It proved to be not enough as the Jets dominated early possession in the last quarter and got ahead on the scoreboard. A goal to Mick Foran put the Roos a couple of points up but Gungahlin struck back to get ahead again. Mick registered his second goal at the right time and the Roos finished in front 10-11-71 to 9-12-66.

It was a good first-up win for new coach Ben Serafin with plenty of promise for a good season for the team. After plenty of pre-season turmoil it was great to get the first game out of the way and to come away with the win was even better. Strong games from Dave Brown, Craig Smith, Minh Ha, Mick Foran, Damon Phillipa and Ben Serafin really built the win and Player's Player Adrian Paull and runner-up Daniel Smith both gave sterling efforts. Goal scorers were Aaron Campbell 4, Brendan Foran 3, Mick Foran 2 and Daniel Poidevin 1.

Round 1 - Bye

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