This is not to have a go at the leadership because our two captains were absent, and Alex Ford stepping in as a replacement was excellent all day. Hopefully next time the U19s are faced in a similar position, we will not rely on poor misses to the opposition and for the coach to pick us up and stir us on in order for the momentum to shift our way. After a physical first term, we applied good pressure and tackling in the centre of the ground to create some positive play, delivering the ball into the forward line. Our decision-making with the ball cost us though as we numerously gave up after losing possession of the ball. It was clear our intensity was not at the same level by the number of shots on goal in the opening half. Collegians had twice as many scoring shots (10) to Caulfieldʼs 5 in the first quarter, and we were down 14 to 9 at half time, while the scoreboard told us the score was even. It was good to see Caulfield capitalise on small amounts of opportunities and the fact that we had our kicking boots on in the second half was invaluable to us winning the match. The forward line welcomed back James Foote to its structure after a long stint on the sidelines, as Justin Kremmer added to the defensive line-up after missing a week. It was terrific Dave Allanson was able to turn his game around in the last quarter and after trying hard all day, he eventually triumphed in the dual ruck contests when it counted. Allanson was forced to compete for most of the day and share the ruck duties with Dom OʼKeefe due to Mark Nelson being overseas. Francis McArdle played his best game for the season crashing and bashing through packs and winning plenty of the footy. In the end it was a great last quarter and probably our best quarter of the season, Paul McGlashan and Dean Spanos stood up and added 9 goals between them. The defence was strong for most of the match with Dylan Tobias, Justin Kremmer and Robbie Lamont seeing the better of their opponents while Alex Ford, Luke Tamblyn and Andrew Simmons were among the better players in the midfield. Caulfield added 7 goals, 6 behinds to Collegians 0 goals, 5 behinds in the final quarter. A wonderful win that will mean a lot to the season, not just when itʼs time for finals. The win showed that we can stand up when we are really being tested. We face the top team in the competition, Old Melbournians, next week at home. As we said at the start of the year Boys, we donʼt lose on our home ground. We havenʼt yet so letʼs really put in on the track this week.

By Justin Kremmer