Magpie Chatter Round 4 v Freeling
Following a long weekend Bye and a great Tanunda rollout to Monday mornings ANZAC Service the focus then went directly to the upcoming Freeling game out in the wheatbelt.
Tanunda A grade opened the game well with Matt Westhoff kicking a running goal at the two minute mark. This set the scene for the day with Tanunda going on to have a total of 38 scoring opportunities. Inaccurate kicking prevented the boys from blowing the game right out and looks like some goal kicking practice during the week! Our defence rebounded many Freeling attacks and did a terrific job shutting their key forwards down.
Luke Snowden was again controlling the half back line. Nick Schmidt is enjoying the freedom of playing through the centre and combined brilliantly with Ben Schiller who both gave forwards numerous opportunities. Matt Grocke was exceptional in his role shutting down his direct opponent and young guns, Dion Dutschke and Sam Brooks continue to contribute well in their roles. Ben Britton worked hard all day being a focal point and finished well with 3 goals. Overall, pleasing to see the boys combining as a team and every player contributing to a big win.
Congratulations to our skipper, Ben Schiller on his performance and his 100th game for the mighty Pies. The boys can take some confidence from this game and look forward to the challenge of Gawler Centrals at home this week
The Reserves have had a great start to the season and hoped to keep the momentum rolling. David Goern playing his 100th was keen to make sure it was memorable, however Freeling had different thoughts. In a torrid and physical first half the skills of the Tanunda centre men and forwards keep the Pies noses in front, with Mudge and Goers showing their class. Schmidt on the wing was getting plenty of ball and Rowett and Thompson at half back were kept busy with the solid Freeling forwards taking their shots. Inaccurate kicking kept the ‘legs in the game until ¾ time with only 2 goals in it, but a 5 goal to nil blitz in the final quarter lead by Goers saw the result go beyond doubt. A great team effort with the ruck work of Whistler and grunt of Smith really stamping a good finish to the game.
The 17s played well for 3 quarters and finished strongly with a good win. Unselfish team play and forward structure featured and the boys looked most dangerous when given first use of the ball by Gladigau.
The backline were held firm by Simpson and Liersch. Hoklas was back with outside run fed by hard working Mudge. Dowse came alive in the second half and Biagi was back to his best. Forward duo Burton and the ever amazing Falkenberg shared a bag full of goals each.
The under 15 team travelled to Freeling last week as a well-oiled unit. They were too strong all over the ground for the young opposition squad. Freeling gave it their utmost to stop the boys but it definitely was Tanunda’s day. A four goal blitz from Hugh Smart started the first quarter and it created a flow of other goals to follow, including 7 goals from Jonah Whitelum who was again impressive. Hugh and Jonah were instrumental in hard ball gets and hard ball footy. Jayden and Dylan Birchard had good hands overhead and Liam Ellis never seemed to be phased by the pace. One of our first year players – Lachie Baumann deserves a special mention for some really good footy. Lachie took some good marks up forward and his skills are only improving over the season.
Finally the Under 11 Black boys were able to play their first game for the year against the Freeling Red Legs. Plenty of excitement and a few nerves, even for the coach. The lads showed a high level of skill using the ball with pin point accuracy, all players showed a strong determination to get involved and compete for the ball, really great to see all of the first year under 11’s get in and have a go. Best players went to Jack Collins & Darcy Thompson. Great game boys keep up the practice.
Under 9 White’s played the first game of the morning in bright sunshine, more reminiscent of cricket weather! The kids had a slow start with Freeling Blue having the majority of the ball in the first quarter, however after the quarter time coach’s address, they turned the whole game around and played very well for the last three quarters. Coach Wade and Coach Thommo were very happy with everyone’s efforts. Awards this week went to Nash Reilly, and first gamer’s Flynn Martin and Ryder Pink.
This weekend at O’b Park is the Jarvis Izusu Ute home match v Gawler Central, with all sides needing to steel themselves for a tough day of footy. The Ladies “Pink” Day is also this weekend with our lads in the now traditional pink strip, undefeated, wanting to keep that record solid.
Tickets to Ladies Day still available, $50 from Tarnya 0401 067 751 or at tanundafc@sanflcfl.com.au,
Teas $10 Thursday night from 6pm, Members Jackpot Draw now $140, lucky loser: Jenny Rowe Life Member. Meat Tray winner: Mitchell Fox
Saturday night entertainment “Blow the Keg”…buy a song and win some money!
Go you Magpies!