Team In Focus ~ Year 10
Weekend Match Day Report
28th April AMPJFC 13.9-87 d Armadale 7.4-46
How does a team run out a game winning the final quarter after practically having no bench for three quarters in 30 degree heat?
We are so PROUD of the boys for their effort in grinding out a hard fought win against Armadale on Sunday. Despite bringing in some added insurance with Rowan and Koen (our two diminutive but skilful year 9 players) we found ourselves with a conveyor belt of injuries rolling through from quarter time onwards, and needless to say it was fairly challenging trying to patchwork quilt things together to ensure we had the lines adequately covered. Our boys were running on empty for much of the day but bravely soldiered on through every bone crunching tackle and they showed enormous resilience and character under duress to get the job done – I cannot emphasize enough the selfless way they stuck to the task and played for each other – it was courage under fire and again, we’re just so proud of them!
Best on ground was Janine Jenkins. The coaching box tent resembled a scene from MASH at times but the determined Janine had the eye of the tiger and sleeves rolled up as she dealt with a mixed bag of challenges from concussion to legs and even wrists. Ethan was rushed off to hospital after exploding out of the blocks with four goals in Q1 and from there it was a case of ‘who’s next’ but to the boys credit they ‘toughed’ it out to the last whistle. To our first year players Flynn, Jack, Lachie, Ollie, and Josh – take a mighty bow boys as you were fantastic representing YOUR new club and the rest of the boys would be buoyed by having you in the trenches with them this year. Josh lives in Ascot for those of you who don’t know – has to catch the Ghan Overland express to play with this team, has 3-4 other clubs he could have played with between where he lives and Strickland oval yet there he was on the weekend darting and weaving out of traffic with ball in hand in the dying stages working his butt off to help his hawks protect the lead. Inspiring stuff!
The most notable thing about this team is the genuine appetite to work together, to share the load, to pitch in and it must be said the example set by all parents from our amazing team manager Dave McCoy all the way down to Dan ‘The Man’ Gorman our team runner who nearly needed an oxygen tent after blowing his lungs out on Sunday bolting around like a whippet at Belmont – to the supporters who chimed in with only positive energy all day … THIS is what makes this side a pleasure for us to coach.
Win lose or draw this week, I know the boys will give it their all again, and I hope to see all of you down to support them in their endeavours. Nothing makes a year 10 boy feel better than the thrill of the hunt on the footy field backed by an army of supporters, so spread the word and bring loved ones, friends, pets, Bill Shorten, anyone and everyone who has a set of lungs and a passion for the game!
PS : the good news too is that Ethan looks to have just sprained his wrist so NOT a break = a massive relief J
Training again THIS THURSDAY 5pm -6.30pm .
Go hawks!