POSITIVE SIGNS OUT OF FIRST PRACTICE GAME

SENIOR MEN'S FOOTBALL

Match Report – POSITIVE SIGNS OUT OF FIRST PRACTICE GAME

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Barwon Heads kicked off its practice game campaign on Thursday night 7th March, against GFL club South Barwon at Oakdene Oval Estate ground in Ocean Grove. A number of players pulled on a Seagulls jumper for the first time and the coaching staff were very pleased with the endeavour shown, and also their willingness to embrace new team rules and structures.

The four quarter game was designed to be predominantly reserves for the first two quarters and seniors for the second half. The first half saw Barwon Heads dominate with the scoreline 6.3 ( 39 ) to South Barwon 1.0 ( 6 ).  Hugh O’Brien and Jake Stainsby shared the ruck duties and gave on ballers Harrison Mitchell, Matt Dyer, Dom Booth and Noah Young first use. Down back Billy Pelham led a frugal defence and linked up with Tim Chapman, Matty Beckwith, Kai Copland, Michael Philp and Connor McKinnon to provide plenty of rebound. Up forward Brock Close, Chris Martin, Oscar Young competed hard, whilst Sam Everett and Nick McMahon were lively at ground level.

Goal kickers – Close 2, Martin 1, McMahon, Mitchell 1, Everett 1

The third quarter saw South Barwon play a whole brand new team and Barwon Heads introduced 12 fresh players. The speed and intensity of the game went to a new level and it was a great contest. New players Ben Stephens and Ryan Harvey were prominent and Jaydan McLauchlan very busy and was using his pace to great advantage. Up back defenders Wayne Barrett, Kyle Polley and Dizzy Holland were resolute and the Heads lacked a bit of polish with their forward entries. The class of South Barwon was evident with their slick ball movement and their clear height advantage but the Heads stuck to their task in the final quarter. The scores for the second half were South Barwon 5.6 (36) and Barwon Heads 2.2 (14).

Goal kickers – Close 1, Mitchell 1

Our next practice game is Saturday 23rd March against Colac at Colac and players who missed last night – Otto Opperman, Mitch Phelps, Luke Michell, Zac Walter, Dylan O’Leary, Mitch Gaunt, Sam Evans, Max Melzer, James Wills, Brad Michell and Brad Harvey will look to play their first game.

Brendan Curry (Football Director) 🐦