C1 Round 1 Hamersley Carine V’s Kalamunda at Beach Oval
My thanks to Peter Harty for organizing the copy for this post as I was unavailable on the day.
Rd 1 saw the Cougars travel up the freeway to Carine Open Space where we took on fellow relegation club, Hamersley Carine.
Following a long preseason full of education and game-style development, the team was selected inclusive of 4 league debutants.
The weather was hanging on to the summer heat which was certainly a factor that would have implications on rotations and general fatigue and hydration.
The opening quarter was highly competitive and enthusiastic as players from both teams played at a high speed and some careless football was witnessed. Turnovers in crucial ground positions by Kalamunda players attempting to play the way we have trained enabled Hamersley to capitalise and kick 3 goals from turnover.
The Cougars found attacking tough with shots on goal hard to come by, registering a single goal for the quarter. At the break, the team was encouraged to get back to playing the way that we have trained by changing angles and being focusing on transitioning from attack to defense.
The players adjusted and in turn managed to kick some great team goals in the second quarter. We were still let down a little by reactionary defensive systems. A couple of poor 50m penalty decisions and being led to the ball which allowed Hamersley to generate shots on goal to stay ahead at the half time break by 8 points.
Seeking refuge in the shade, the Cougars team altered the forward 50 stoppage setup as well as realigning our defensive system during general play. The team executed this with more proficiency and this resulted in a more dominant stoppage count forcing Hamersley to turn the ball over. This move saw the team kick much needed shots on goal with only our accuracy letting us down, kicking 2.5 for the qtr.
Unfortunately, some lapses in concentration by the Cougar players led to Hamersley Carine kicking two goals in quick succession to take a 5pt lead into the final quarter.
This quarter saw Cougars dominate field position and continue to get shots on goal (2.3), however, Hamersley weathered the storm well and also managed to kick 2 goals themselves. With players from both sides fighting cramp and dehydration, it was evident that the team who could defend the best would likely win the game.
To Hamersley’s credit, they defended their D50 very well and although we registered a loss by 2pts, there is much to be encouraged by with the Cougar’s young brigade. Their exciting ball movement, team cohesion and desire to achieve success will hold them in good stead throughout the year.
Better players on the day included Mitch Della-Franca, Cormac White, Jack Jago, Ben Dupont and Max Fasolo.
I would like to thank our assistant coaches, Rob Gordon and Rob Parker, as well as Bree Fernando who, all together, managed to keep our players hydrated and functioning at their best throughout the game.
Further thanks to all the volunteers and supporters for coming out, I look forward to seeing you all at Ray Owen next week as we take on Thornlie at 3.05pm See you at the footy, Bolts
Final scores: Hamersley Carine; 8.7 (55) Kalamunda; 7.11 (53)
The Thirds started the season off with a strong win away against North Beach.
The first quarter was scrappy and teams were tied at the first break. From the second quarter onwards the Cougars pressure and intensity lifted as did their skills and they started breaking away on the scoreboard.
They maintained this effort for the rest of the game and finished with a 23 point win.
Standout performers were Jaya Terima in the midfield and Connor Ebsuary up forward with 4 goals. Zach White running off of half back was impressive in his first game for the club and Mike Garfield swapping between forward and Ruck.
Final scores: Kalamunda; 9.5 (59), North Beach; 5.6 (36)
Reserves Match Report, Rd 1 Vs Hamersley Carine @ Carine Open Space.
With conditions more suitable for a day at the beach than playing footy the Reserves side ventured to Carine for our first game of the season. We were unsure of what to expect as Hamersley Carine had struggled last year but also knew they were traditionally quite strong in the ‘Ressies’. What transpired over the next 4 quarters was to put simply, an ‘arm wrestle’.
Early on our team defence wasn’t great and allowed Hammersley to score a couple of easy goals. They were also getting numbers behind the ball and making it hard for us to transition the ball into our forward line. Fortunately, we were able to keep touch through the efforts of our forwards kicking some clever goals.
I asked for a more defensive focus at qtr. time, mainly our midfield to get back and support the defence and for our forwards to come up the ground and not allow Hammersley the spare behind the ball.
We certainly seemed to have more control of the game across the second and third quarters. Our backs were now getting involved and giving us a lot of rebound whilst our Mids. were much better in the contest. Lapses such as missed tackles and unforced errors allowed them to pinch a couple of goals and we couldn’t get that 2 or 3 goal buffer which would have allowed to us control the game.
After three highly attritional quarters both sides were out of gas, so the last quarter continued the arm wrestle theme. We had numerous chances, but we couldn’t put Hamersley Carine away.
In front by 5 points and with 30 seconds on the clock Hamersley Carine had a kick in which should have been defended. Who would have thought they would go straight up the middle hey?? It was edge of the seat stuff for the coaches and spectators as HC walked the ball through the centre square and nearly scored the match winning goal. Fortunately, we were able to hold on and get the win.
Whilst happy with the win we have a lot of work to do if we want to be consistently winning games. Our contest method, team defence and ball handling all need some work. I am reluctant to judge our fitness after 1 game in 32 degrees heat but there is some work to be done there as well.
All in all, a good win but also a reminder we have a long way to go.
Well done to the other winning sides and thank you to all the spectators who came along and supported us.
Best Players – KP (3 goals), Ben Smith, Connor Faulds, Tyler Clatworthy, Ethan Godden and Cooper Boyd (3 goals)
Women’s Round 1 Vs Wanneroo at Wanneroo …
‘The Wrap’
Well, it was a fantastic start to the season proper, with a performance that put on display the way we wanted their game to look, controlling the game from start to finish.
In the end a 8.3 (51) is 1.1 (7) victory was an outstanding result, getting reward for our front half game.
So many positives from the game and most of all a united group playing team first footy!
No doubt we will have our work cut out to back this up next week but we will work hard on the track this week to give ourselves a chance to go 2-0!
Firstly, congrats to Lily, Tegan, Neve, Olivia for first games for the club.
Secondly, again congrats to Holly Touchell for her 50th game and being super important to us getting the win.
Everyone should feel positive about their individual games. It doesn’t have to be your best day, but if you play your role it can mean the best outcome for the team!
This week’s awards were:
Best on Ground; Tia Miller followed by Zoe Allan (and players player), Megan Bruce and Channy Myburgh
See a tribute to Holly by Alex Haight in 'This Weeks Topic'
Colts Report V’s Hamersley Carine
This was a ripping effort from the colts. I was very impressed with our play style and composure in all parts of the game. We will be working to hold space at stoppages and changing lanes with the footy in general play these next few weeks.
Best players;
De Gas, Ben De Guzman, Lucas Hendo, Harbo and Lys to share.
Cheers, Damon Witcombe, Coach
Results from round 1
C1 Reserves – Kalamunda; Kalamunda; 7.7 (49), Hamersley Carine; 6.9 (45)
E2 All Stars – Kalamunda (pending)
Cougar C1 Ladies – Kalamunda; 8.3 (51), Wanneroo; 1.1 (7)
IDC Colts – Kalamunda; 14.12 (96), Hamersley Carine; 3.3 (21)
Next C1 game: Round 2, Kalamunda V’s Thornlie at Ray Owen Reserve
03:05 PM, Sat, 13 Apr 24
This post is dedicated to, Don Benson Photos, proud sponsor of the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ Football Club who supplies amazing photos of our players in action.
Welcome to my Don Benson Photography profile. I operate from a home-based studio in Lesmurdie, Perth W.A. Please visit me on my Instagram - www.instagram.com/donbensonphotography for all my latest photos.