MARCELLIN 19.13. 127 def CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS 3.9. 27

Goal Kickers: R. Schroth, A. Slevison, T. Sundberg
Best Players: J. Stewart, R. Foote, B. Hyland, A. Bruhn, C. Sinclair, T. Noblett

By Richard Foote 

After what can only be described as a drubbing the week before, the Fields faced Marcellin in what has become a familiar trip down Bulleen Rd. The six day break was something that most are not used to but there didn’t seem to be too much effect felt by the young list.

The seniors welcomed back Nobby to the team and we added some extra size with Sean Meredith making his debut. Andy Sinclair missed with some tightness so in all we added a touch under 13 feet and lost about six and a half. Chris Game also debuted after some impressive form in the practice matches and at Under 19 level. We also welcomed back Strainy, Gav Winter and Schrothy but were without Matt Sundberg, Rob Picking, Duncan Kellaway, Darcy Daly and Andrew Ross.

To the game… Basically, we experienced more of the pain from last week. On a big ground against a well drilled side, we were too often unaccountable and chasing our own footy without working for each other. Our unwillingness to run and work hard off the ball saw their players play all over us in a display that we should take note of. While Haileybury killed us with some individual brilliance and forward hard running, Marcellin played an impressive, team game with all of their players willing to work hard for each other.

We had some positive performances from debutants Sean and Gamey. Sean was fantastic in the ruck in the last quarter giving the midfield first use and Gamey’s run, creativity and attack on the footy sets the example for the rest of his teammates. Jordan Stewart’s game at centre half back was another positive. Jordie was just about our only winner on the day and he did a fantastic job shutting down one of their key forwards.

I will not dwell too much on the game. The players had a productive meeting on Monday discussing our deficiencies and the supporters could see just how far off it we were on the weekend. But we remain positive and have found a spring in our step as we finally work towards normality and play our first game at home this weekend. We also plan to return to full time training at Glenhuntly in a few weeks.

It has been a credit to the players that we have taken full responsibility for the last two weeks. It is easy to blame a young side and not having proper training facilities for poor performances, but the fact is our efforts have simply not been good enough. A return to Pressure Park, a solid week on the track and a 100% commitment from all players to play accountable, aggressive football will see a far better showing this weekend against Beaumaris.

Go Fields.