Seniors
Donvale 10.9-69 FINAL 11.2-68 Warrandyte
For the 3rd week in a row, we faced another team inside the top 4 in Donvale and the challenge was set to the group to take a scalp away from home.
What unfolded over the 2 hours of football on Saturday afternoon was an enthralling contest for the neutral supporter which unfortunately ended with a 1-point loss to the Bloods.
Our 1st half was champagne football with the boys focussed and intent on working hard for each other. The pressure gauge was through the roof and then when we had ball in hand, we were able to execute skills and kick important goals. This lead to a 38 point half time lead on the back of a 6 goal 2nd quarter.
Our 2nd half was the complete opposite and while we thought the task was done, our opponents came out breathing fire. 16 scoring shots in the 2nd half from Donvale to our 2 sealed our fate as we now slide to 3rd on the ladder with an important 2 weeks ahead with Ferntree Gully at home and Whitehorse away.
Reserves
Donvale 8.1-49 FINAL 11.11-77 Warrandyte
Blessed with another cracking day for footy this was the big game we had been waiting for. We knew the game was going to be played at a higher pressure so we challenged our group to set it in the first quarter. Donvale were going man on at the contest and our effort had to be better than theirs. We managed to get some scoreboard pressure in the first half but some easy misses let the door slightly open. Meanwhile up the other end Donvale couldn’t miss. They kicked very straight with the game ending at 22 scoring shots to 9. Donvale were able to drop guys back into our hole and we managed to pick them off more times than our own forwards. But our inside mids led by Nick Prelo, LC and Mitch willo were able to steady the ship and we finished the game on top. Was great to have Jody back for the club and controlling the backline with our usuals. We now set our sights on Ferntree Gully this week, back on our home deck.
Under 19’s
Donvale 7.9-51 FINAL 3.11-29 Warrandyte
The day had finally arrived to play top of the table for the second time this year out at Donvale. In the first, we came out firing, having most of the play, but just could not convert kicking 6 straight points and no goals for the quarter.
The backs were strong all day, as a whole we tackled, smothered and pressured the ball carrier really well. Donvale came at us in the middle terms and were able to make the most of their opportunities.
Credit to the boys in the last, we got the game back on our terms kicking 3 goals within the first 6 minutes of the quarter. Unfortunately, Paddy O’brien copped a heavy head knock, whilst putting his body on the line, ending the game short. He wore his heart on his sleeve all day and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.
Overall, from our first encounter losing by 69 points to now only 22 points it shows the improvement amongst the playing group within 11 weeks. We continue to strive for 1% better each week and I’m looking forward to playing Donvale again later on in the year.
Go Bloods!