Round 5: Everything finally clicks for the Hills!

Panton Hill: 19.12-126
Heidelberg West: 6.8-44

Goal Kickers: D. Butler 6, P. Davey 2, J. Whitcher 2, D. Pratt 2, B. Strongman 2, S. Gunn 2, J. Ballock, C. Seaman, T. Power
Best Players: W. Box, D. Pratt, B. Strongman, J. Whitcher, R. Woods, D. Butler

After another great week on the training track, and the disappointment of the previous match, everything finally clicked for the Hills. The boys started off well and really dominated the first quarter – but a wasteful 3.6 in front of goal meant the lead at the break was only 16 points. The Redbacks’ intensity dropped off a bit in the second term, but to their credit were still able to outscore West Heidelberg by a goal.

At half-time the players were served with a reminder of the focus for 2008: discipline, sticking to the game plan, playing for your mates and enthusiasm. And perhaps the message finally sunk in. The second half of the game was easily our best footy for the year, played with plenty of passion and emotion and some fiery encounters ensued. The Hillers piled on 13 goals to three to run out winners by 82 points.

Although there were impressive performances right across the ground, of particular note were captain and vice-captain Ben Strongman and Will Box. Also in the best three was newly appointed deputy-vice, Pratty, who dominated the ruck contest all afternoon. Returning from a hamstring injury, assistant coach Witcher was superb throughout the first half, Ricky Woods racked up plenty off possessions and contested marks across the half forward line and Butler Snr. kicked six. There are several other players who deserve a mention, but it was ‘Max’ Power’s inspirational passage of play to set up a goal early in the second half which really provided the much needed spark and enthusiasm which lifted the whole team.

Individual performances aside, what mattered most to players and supporters alike, was to finally sing that song (twice) at the end of the match. It was the corresponding match last year that caused Browny to give footy away after he had his skulled cracked open. Hope you enjoyed the win Browny!!

TWO'S BREAK THE DROUGHT IN STYLE

Heidelberg West: 4.7-31
Panton Hill: 15.9-99

Goal Kickers: G. Francis 3, B. Hathaway 2, D. Belcher 2, J. Anderson 2, M. Paterson, L. Walsh, G. Wise, B. Trim, P. Strongman, T. Dummett
Best Players: G. Carr, T. Coleman, G. Francis, M. Lawn, M. Constantine, J. Anderson

The last time that the Redbacks reserves team experienced victory was against Heidelberg West at their home ground, a ground much larger than our own, and one which may possibly double as a backup landing strip for small aircraft. The team from Panton Hill attacked hard from the start and soon made the foreign ground their own, linking up well out of defence and full of hard running.

The story of the day was the positive teamwork and confidence in each other to get the job done across the board, as the reserves team were never headed and appeared to have all the answers to any of the Hawks counter attacks. All players lifted and contributed to the Redbacks cause, which was extremely pleasing for Coach John Manzoney who praised the significant step that the Hills had taken in one week of football.

Grant Carr was unstoppable all match in the ruck in a best on ground performance on a day where picking best players was something of a raffle, such was the evenness of the team’s work ethic and execution. ‘Trenta’ Coleman was also back near his best form whilst Greggy Francis and goal sneak Jimmy Anderson were fantastic in attack. Mark Lawn and Mick Constantine also had good days out, contributing with solid rebound footy out of defence and some quick ball movement through the middle of the ground.

The weekend’s win has given the Redback side some much-needed confidence in their own ability to be competitive and work together, which will put them in good stead to face the strength of Lower Plenty on the coming Saturday, which has been billed by the AFL as ‘Community Football Weekend.’