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Seniors
10.2-62 MONASH GRYPHONS def by
20.12-132 ST MARY’S SALESIAN
Goal Kickers: L. Dooley 3, L. Wells 2, R. Sharkey, B. Hilet, D. McConville, C. Leeton.
Best Players: D. Giliam, N. Rutherford, B. Hilet, L. Dooley, L. Wells, D. McConville
Reserves
6.6-52 MONASH GRYPHONS def by
12.14-86 ST MARY’S SALESIAN
Goal Kickers: W. Pocock 2, P. Rutherford, D. Healy, G. Kent, B. Lukav.
Best Players: G. Kent, H. Vasconcelo, M. O”Neill, A. Robilliard, L. Monfries, G. Roche.
Review:
It was almost as if I could see it coming.
Monash win the first game of the season, get players back, go in favourites and then undo all the hard work of the pre-season in one half of football. Such was life at East Caulfield Reserve on Saturday.
Freddie Naumoff will be at a loss to explain how the Gryphons managed more than thirty 1%’s a quarter against Hawthorn, yet failed to register thirty in the first half against St Mary’s/Salesian. The very nature of Hawthorn’s game that we exploited in round 1 was replicated upon us by a more determined and better skilled outfit on the weekend.
How is it that we look fit and aggressive one week and slow and soft the next? If anyone in the Gryphons community can explain this to me, apply for Freddie’s job now! It can’t be just getting ahead of ourselves. The breeze was strong, but it was the prevailing wind at the ground that senior players would know well. We needed to use this to our advantage. Perhaps the answer lies with running and carrying the ball more (especially on windy days) a la Geelong in order to retain possession.
The shining light for Monash was the four quarter effort of David Giliam in defence, who certainly employed all the traits that are expected of a Gryphons senior player, the problem was he had few mates that could say the same.
Let’s put this game behind us and focus on Powerhouse…
Seniors
10.2-62 HAWTHORN def by.
20.12-132 MONASH GRYPHONS
Goal Kickers: R. Sharkey 4, M. Davies 3, C. Jones 2, J. Harrak 2, T. Russell 2, L. Runnalls, D. Giliam, B. Hilet, R. Fletcher, J. Fleming, D. Baxter, D. McConville
Best Players: T. Russell, B. Rose, B. Hilet, J. Harrak, R. Fletcher, E. Bradshaw
Reserves
17.6-108 HAWTHORN draw.
16.12-108 MONASH GRYPHONS
Goal Kickers: W. Pocock 6, P. Rutherford 4, H. Vasconcelo 2, A. Kooperman 2, D. Chalmers 2.
Best Players: W. Pocock, H. Vasconcelo, N. Booth, P. Rutherford, K. Love, L. Wilson.
Review:
Occasionally, one is dumbfounded when you review a day in the life of a Sporting Club. Saturday April 18th, was one such occasion!
Whilst all at Monash were eagerly awaiting the start of the 2009 season, a trip to Rathmines Reserve was not what many of us would’ve liked first up. On paper, possibly the most difficult away fixture of the season against arguably one of the best sides in the competition over the past couple of years. Sure, some of us were talking up our chances (as is natural coming into a new season), but not even the most ardent supporter could’ve envisaged what happened.
The Gryphons unleashed one of our most ruthless displays in the club’s history, showing no mercy whatsoever for the opponent, making them earn every possession and running in numbers. It was clear from the outset that Coach, Naumoff had emphasised 1%’s in the pre-season as Monash tackled, shepherded and smothered any Hawthorn opponent in the contest.
Similarly, it was clear that the Gryphs had worked hard on improving their endurance over the Summer, as we looked the much fitter team.
There were some outstanding individual performances and not just from the usual suspect of Wells, Baxter and Harrak. First gamers Liam Runnells and Brodie Hilet showed they have more than what it takes to contribute at senior level, and the continued improvements of Mike Davies and Tristan Russell was most pleasing.
However, the most definitive moment of the day came immediately after the final siren, when club legend, Lee Wells took the playing group aside and instructed the players to ‘keep a lid on it’. Many at the Gryphs have seen this type of thing far too many times and one win does not make a season, does not get us into the finals and certainly does not deliver that coveted premiership cup that we all desire.
Can’t wait for next week.
Photos
Come down to Rathmines Road Reserve this Saturday to see the Gryphs kick off the season against Hawthorn.
GROUND: Rathmines Road Reserve.
Rathmines Road, Hawthorn East
Melways: 45 H10
Reserves start at 11.40am and Seniors begins at 2pm.
Get down to support your team and mates!
Congratulations to Chris Leeton who lines up for his 200th game for the Monash Gryphons this week against Hawthorn.
Leets a lanky forward come ruckman has been a regular fixture in the senior team for many years. He has been a great man to have around the club and avid supporter of Social Events.
Good luck this Saturday Leets!
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