Reserves Rnd 3 were on the road again, this time to Waverley, really Oakleigh which sort of felt like Clayton
We spoke pre game of improvement needed from last weeks poor performance against Bayside around voice, accountability for a man and first option ball use, the boys needed to keep it basic to get some confidence going and that they did
Our first half was great and using first option footy made us move the ball quicker & cleaner, having guys linking up across the ground had us in front after the first half
The halftime chat was to stick to our original plan and don’t become complacent, although we had a lead, I thought we were at times starting to over use the ball and started to give away a few cheap free kicks around the ground. It was really important the boys kept working hard in numbers and keeping voice around the contest going
We took this out in a disciplined second half and kicked away eventually winning by 80 odd points.
The opposition were poor and we got the win that I really expected with the team executing from the first bounce, but more pleasing were the boys sticking to plans all day in a solid team effort
We had some new faces Brooksy and Chima who were fantastic all day and good to see Jaye Bedford back for his first game getting plenty of the ball all day. On ball rotations with Ken, Marty & Bramma were also good throughout the day, winning plenty of contested ball
Unfortunately Juice went down with a calf, Chanty stepped up into the ruck in the second half and was dominant across the ground and ended up kicking 3 goals, it was probably the best game I have seen him play at the Raiders
We head on the road again in a fortnight, where we need to keep building momentum and discipline to keep our season progressing
It was great to sing the song for the first time this year in the Reserves and for me to train my first winner.
We celebrated by sledging Waverley’s new recruit renowned ACA Love Rat Danny Casset straight out of an Oakleigh TAB accompanied with cold Carlton Draughts and exquisite Dim Sims made from the Chinese Church next door which sort of felt like we were in Springvale
How good is winning lads!
Great effort to all involved
Go Raiders
Cheers Barx
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