Practice Match Wrap-Up

Check out pics and updates from the Eastern Warriors practice match re: Cranbourne Wednesday night.

We got four seasons in four quarters Wednesday night as the Warriors took on Cranbourne 45s/50s with a supposed 35s/50s team that had 9 over 55s playing. Started out sunny and warm, ended up in soaking rain – gotta love Melbourne.

It was a big night for debutants with Jas, Brendan, Dave O’Connor, Nick, Lyndon and Harken all making their debut in the black and gold, and acquitting themselves very well. Dave was a bull in the centre, Brendan battled like a true warrior in the ruck, Jas was a prime target up forward, Lyndon ran his guts out and got his hands on the pill, and Harken took a nice outlet mark in the driving rain. Nick was relentless in running to contests, providing a marking target up the line and moving the ball forward.

Col started in the ruck and was one of the Warriors best, notably clunking a crucial overhead mark in the hardest rain, and applied pressure on the opposition all game. Cranbourne fielded a well-drilled, hard-running side and the Warriors struggled to keep up, but Theo’s on-field coaching helped control our shape after half time and we were able to close down some of the easy transition. Sammy wound back the clock and Jules and Jamie as always gave a super hard contest all over the ground.

Unfortunately we didn’t snag a goal and struggled to contain the impressive running transition of Cranbourne. It was a timely lesson in the need for discipline when it comes to covering your opponent, and the need for fitness to keep up with quality running sides.

There was plenty to take away, and Willo’s “constructive feedback” may have jolted a few, but sometimes we need a bake and it’s all with the good intentions of making us a better club that competes and still enjoys their footy. Thanks Willo and all the coaches for your passion and commitment, loving the new voices and positivity.

Well done to all who helped cobble this practice match and BBQ together, and to all those who came down to play and support, especially Ren, Fitzy, Munga and Max for scoring/goal umpiring/running water on a dirty wet night. Special mention also to JJ for making his way down – he didn’t get many touches but we love seeing him back around the club smiling.