Round 2: Macleod runs away with match

Macleod: 20.23-143
Panton Hill: 10.11-71

Goal Kickers: D. Butler 5, D. Pratt 2, J. Ballock, G. Oakley, J. White
Best Players: B. Brown, P. Cisek, S. Gunn, S. Huf, D. Butler, G. Mc Auliffe

Clearly one of the teams to beat, Macleod was always going to be a tough match. The Hills started well and although there was a three goal difference at the first break the game was well and truly in the balance. In the second quarter we kicked five goals to four and at half time the match was there for the taking. Unfortunately it was Macleod who took it in the second half. They finished full of running and the end result was an unflattering 10+ goal loss.

In his first game for the Hills, Paul Cisek was fantastic all day and Ben Brown’s best-on-ground display really held the back line together. Unfortunately the particularly hard ground took its toll and Brad Chircop broke his ankle and White-snake his finger.

Now with two of the competition heavy weights out of the way, the boys are gearing themselves up for some wins over the coming weeks.

RESERVES PROMISING EARLY

Macleod: 20.20-140
Panton Hill: 2.8-20

Goal Kickers: M. Lawn, M. Peck
Best Players: G. Wise, T. Power, P. Strongman, A. Solum, S. Shell, A. Miller

Much like last week against Watsonia the Panton Hill reserves side started the match with fresh enthusiasm and hardness, and as a result were able to control the first quarter. Unlike last week the Hills remained hard at the footy in the second quarter, however were unable to convert opportunities. This trend continued and by half time the skill and fitness levels of the Macleod team had really started to show as they took control of the game.

To the credit of the Redbacks side, who played with a lot more passion this week, there were no signs of giving up, as the third quarter was played with plenty of desperation. To their credit, the Macleod team were able to change gears in the final term and run away from the Hills too easily for a percentage-boosting win.

It was great to see first game players Tim Power, Matthew Peck, and Simon Jones getting involved in the match. All three players showed that they are capable and committed players who we look forward to seeing much more of throughout the year.

Grenville Wise was judged best afield for the Hills in his second match since June of 2007, whilst Reserves assistant coach Simon Shell came out of retirement to lead a depleted ruck section, and proved to be an impressive contributor.

Throughout the match the Hills battled with warm conditions and the very hard Macleod home ground and unfortunately reserves Captain Ty Dummett, back from a hamstring injury, rolled his ankle and sat out the remainder of the game. Ben Anderson was also claimed by the Panton Hill curse with an apparent knee injury. Other niggles from the match may see numbers further reduced at training this week with all players keen to be fit to redeem themselves against Mernda at home on Saturday.