Despite the loss of the reserves in the curtain raiser, our lads had every reason to be confident of starting the 2008 campaign in a positive manner. The game opended with strong tackling from both teams and out first goal came from great ground work by Andrew Slevison who got it out to Richard Foote and ‘Footie’ snapped truly.

Carey would be dangerous given their size advantage in what was turning out to be an even game and after two goals to the opposition, Chris May roved superbly to run in and goal. Benny Carboni was again combining well with ‘Slevo’ who was dangerous but inaccurate. Chris Hammond marked strongly and got it to ‘Slev’ who cleverly chipped to Cal Sinclair for his first goal in senior football. At quarter time the score stood at 4.2 to 3.6 in Carey’s favour and we had been wasteful in front of goal.

We paid the price for an obvious lack of strength up back on the big Carey forwards and a poor kick in after a behind gave Carey an easy goal. When ‘Slevo’ goaled from a free we stemmed the flow slightly but the ball was spending too much time in Carey’s half of the ground as they scored 4.6 to our 2.2 for the quarter.

At half time we left the ground to experience Coach Colling’s first ‘real spray’ since his arrival at CGFC. It was clearly disappointing to also give up the ball by undisciplined play and it was obvious to all watching that we are not a good enough team to be able to show even an occasional lack of discipline!

Some changes to the line up in the third term saw Matty Sundberg creating some positive play and younger brother Tom was right in the thick of it. After a couple of chances went begging, Slevo goaled again and we were certainly showing a lot more spirit. A Simon Widjaja clearance to ‘Slevo’ for his third major and then when Carbs got it to Footie and on to Slev, we were looking far better. Cal Sinclair made the most of a free and we were right back in the game and at the final break we were only 2 points down, 8.14 to 9.10.

The final quarter was tough and crowded but when Ash Bruhn converted from Ben Hyland's initiative up back, we were finally in front. Unfortunately Carey had the answers and again our undisciplined play was costly. Despite some stronger efforts Carey ran out winners 12.13 to 9.17 and we again failed to start the season with a win.

I know there were no U19 players in the Carey line-up but I don’t see that as a disadvantage to us, rather an advantage at a time of rebuilding our list. I certainly don’t believe we were let down by the U19 players who did represent us in round 1 or the U19 graduates from last season. We may not have had as many strong bodies as Carey but the experience gained by the younger players will be invaluable.

No excuses, no complaining, just give us something better next week boys!

Goal kickers – Slevison 4, Cal Sinclair 2, Foote, May and Bruhn 1 each.

Better players (in no particular order) – Hyland, Evans, M Sundberg, T Sundberg, Slevison and Foote.