Rovers leap back into form against Hoppers

The Rovers got off to a good start, getting the ball immediately forward to key target Hayden Barker.

Kicking accurately, combined with the Rovers’ pressure up the ground, the home side looked dangerous early, keeping the ball in their forward fifty.

At the end of the second quarter, the ball went into the Rovers’ backline a few times, but the side only conceded one behind for the quarter to lead by 21 points at quarter time.

The second quarter was a bit more of a scrap with it starting to rain.

Rennie got two goals resulting from a free kick and turnover respectively.

However, from there it was all Rovers, switching the play and transitioning out of their defensive 50 nicely, with the midfielders working hard to win the ball in the wet and the forwards working together well presenting up.

At half-time, the Rovers had extended the margin to 40 points.

In the third quarter, the Rovers’ team play started to shine through.

It also saw the entry of Jayden Pitts as the Rover's new forward weapon, providing plenty of hard work leading up to the ball but also a different set of reliable hands for the Rovers up forward.

Adding goals and goal assists, Pitts was a real threat from long range, set shot or otherwise.

There was also the special moment of Brody Wills getting his first seniors goal at Memorial Park, working hard throughout the game and this time finishing his work through connection from his brother Cameron.

It was also a great quarter for the Rovers defence, shutting out Rennie from scoring in the third quarter while scoring 34 points of their own.

The Rovers then piled it on in the wet throughout the final term, kicking seven goals and three behinds to Rennie’s one behind for the quarter, with the Rovers running out 118 point winners for their first win of over 100 points since round one.

Making the difference for the Rovers, Waylon Johncock and Cameron Wills were relentless, again proving to be two of the Rovers’ best players out of the middle.

Continuing where he left off last week against Katunga, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham held his width and was damaging every time he was used with his fend-off running, also kicking a goal.

In the backline the effort was led by James Gilligan who took several crucial contested marks on the last lines of defence helping keep Rennie goalless outside the second quarter.

Two ultra-consistent players, Jai Ezard and Brad Taylor, both again played their roles for the team superbly and both got on the end of a goal.

Up forward, the main target of Hayden Barker kicked eight goals for the day.

Jayden Pitts and Ryan Hudson-Lovegrove were the other multiple goal kickers with two each.

Again, bringing a huge amount of impact across the wing and centre-half forward Isaac Behsman also showed his good finishing skills, kicking a goal alongside Brody Wills.

Adam Bodey and Rhys McCulloch again led the Rovers, effectively kicking a goal each to add to the spread of 10 goal kickers for the home side.

Final score: Deni Rovers 19.18 (132) def Rennie 2.2 (14).

Goals: Hayden Barker 8, Jayden Pitts 2, Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson 2, Brad Taylor, Adam Bodey, Brody Wills, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, Isaac Behsman, Rhys McCulloch, Jai Ezard.

Best players: Waylon Johncock, Cameron Wills, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, James Gilligan, Jai Ezard, Brad Taylor.

Awards: Cam Wills, Jackson Muldoon-Leetham, James Gilligan, Liam East, Hayden Barker, Jai Ezard.

Reserves

It was a perfect day for football, and the seconds boys certainly made hay while the sun was shining.

Coach Matt Horne likely kicked off his pre-game address with his trademark,“This is the strongest side we’ve had all year”. But even if he didn’t, the boys delivered one of their best performances in years.

The early loss of Blake Norris within the first five minutes was disappointing, but true to form, Norry showed you can’t keep a good man down, redeeming the day by serving up brisket sliders that evening, which were nothing short of phenomenal.

Up forward, Tristan Fitzsimmons was again dominant, booting six goals, while Harry Turner and Ben McCalman each kicked multiples from the midfield.

Ben Littmann, Tommy Blake, Jack Pekin, Joey Hay, and Scott Howard also chipped in with singles.

McCalman woke up with a smile on his face and had a day out in the wet, as did Rylan Wade, who turned in another standout game.

Taj Payne, Fitzsimmons, Turner, and James Kirby also earned their place among the best on ground.

Final Score: Deni Rovers 16.13 (109) def Rennie 0.1 (1).

Goals: Tristan Fitzsimmons 6, Harry Turner 3, Ben McCalman 2, Ben Littmann, Tom Blake, Jack Pekin, Joey Hay, Scott Howard.

Best players: Ben McCalman, Taj Payne, Tristan Fitzsimmons, Rylan Wade, Harry Turner, James Kirby.

Awards: Taj Payne, Tristan Fitzsimmons, Rylan Wade, Sam Richardson, Harry Turner, James Kirby, Cooper King.

Thirds

No game played, as the Rovers had no opposition.

Fourths

Cold and wet conditions greeted the Rovers as they faced Rennie, who came determined to cause an upset.

The first quarter was an even contest, with the Rovers edging ahead by just one point thanks largely to Jobe Unwin’s work in defence and Michael Benger’s impact up forward, where he booted two early goals.

From there, the match turned into a low-scoring slog. The wet ground and strong breeze made scoring difficult, with every goal hard-earned.

The Rovers took a 12-point lead into the final quarter and looked to have the game in hand, with Ryan Squires, Ryan Bulmer, and Haydn Sampson influential around the ground.

But Rennie refused to give in, pulling back a late goal and earning a golden chance to steal the win—a set shot from 15 metres out with just 20 seconds remaining.

In a game-saving moment, Beau Jervis laid a desperate smother to deny Rennie the goal, allowing the Rovers to hold on for a thrilling five-point victory.

Final score: Deni Rovers 4.6 (30) def Rennie 4.1 (25).

Goals: Michael Benger 2, Callan Leiper, Taj McCully.

Best players: Jobe Unwin, Haydn Sampson, Ryan Bulmer, Ryan Squires, Taj McCully, Beau Jervis.

Awards: Jobe Unwin, Haydn Sampson, Beau Jervis, Henry Campion, Connor Sampson, Lucas Braybon, Angus Knuckey, Mikey Benger.

Fifths

It was a great morning on the main stage for the fifths.

With a few kids away and Rennie travelling well, we only handed over a handful of players to Rennie’s team.

The game was very low scoring, with Rennie proving to be a solid and determined side.

They managed to keep our bigger boys in the centre largely at bay throughout the match.

Max Woolston and Lenny Parker stood out with brilliant defensive efforts, while little Mac Leiper sneaked one through the goals.

With just two games remaining for our little Rovers, it’s been a fantastic year all around.

Awards: Lincoln Arthur, Carter Parsons, Will Kirby, Jaxon Beames, Jake Horne, Tyler Littmann, Enzo Craig, Darcy Arthur, Will Reid, Mac Leiper.