Round 15 Review
Seniors
13.7-85 SOUTH MORNINGTON def by
17.17-119 MONASH GRYPHONS
Goal Kickers: B. Hilet 5, M. Malloy 3, W. Pocock 2, C. Leeton, D. Baxter, C. Mackie, D. McConville, M. Fletcher, L. Allan, D. Wills.
Best Players: L. Wilson, W. Pocock, D. McConville, M. Malloy, B. Hilet, J. Harrak.
Reserves
4.5-29 SOUTH MORNINGTON def by
10.16-76 MONASH GRYPHONS
Goal Kickers: M. Malone 4, E. Strain 2, R. Tuttle, V. Coffey, P. Gomizel, M. Paolucci.
Best Players: B. Fullerton, K. Love, A. Schroth, P. Gomizel, M. Malone.
Review:
Alan Sutherland coached the Gryphons in times that would make the Dark Ages of Medieval Europe feel like paradise. We won fewer than a half dozen games (both seniors and reserves) in 1994/95 and spirits were often lacking at our fledgling club. When we did win, it was like we had won a premiership as “La Marseillaise” was belted out with great gusto. ‘Sudsy’ is now the coach of another young club in Sth Mornington, who’s parallel’s to the Gryphons are quite substantial in chronology. I had a good chat to him after Saturday’s game and asked whether he remembered the words of the song. He remarked that he thought it was sung with more gusto in his day and I smugly quipped that “…we are sick of singing it”. This remark was in jest of course, but it does beg the question about motivation and seizing the day. We must play as if we are playing a final each weekend and whether we are playing Chadstone or Mt Lilydale our preparation and approach should be uniform.
Full credit to our opponents on Saturday. They made us earn the victory and played the type of hard football that the Gryphons like to think we are renowned for. We are a very good side however, and on two defining occasions we found another gear. Half way through the third term the Tigers got within 7 points and looked set to make a serious challenge. Enter Wal Pocock who won three or four vital contested balls across half forward that all resulted in scores and suddenly the gryphons held sway by four goals again. Similarly, early in the final quarter where the lead was just two goals, Greg Munro and Brodie Hilet decided they were going to step up and we piled on four unanswered goals to lead by 37. Game over.
That overdrive must be evident for 120 minutes next weekend as we fight for top spot…
Photos:
Photos by Jake Zhivov. More photos can be found on the Gryphons Facebook page.