On Saturday the reserves had their first win of the season – and what a win it was! Not satisfied with just the four points, Con’s instructions at each break were to stick to the basics, play hard footy and win by the greatest possible margin. The boys followed instructions and won by a (2014) record margin of 132 points!

After a slow start – which the coach put down to thinking more about the upcoming ladies day – the boys managed 6 goals in the first term after Melbourne High kicked the first goal of the day. The midfield rotation of King, Spud, Hunter, Frankie, Dobbo, Rappa worked well all day, dominating across the middle of the ground and forward when resting. Bones was once again solid in the ruck and Nick Marchbank gets better every week.

The backline provided the drive for the team, repelling MHS attacks inside 50 and turning them into attacks of our own. Toose, Cam, Nath, Emmett were dynamic in deference while Jimmy Grinter made sure their best player was kept quiet all day.

With the luxury of some high quality permanent forwards this week – both big and small – the entries were rewarded with goals on a regular basis. Big Strathie kicked 4, as did Dobbo (again*), while Jimmy Molony was very impressive in his first game and BJ also played his best game for the year – although don’t tell Ron! Other impressive forwards were Scullie and Davidson who worked hard to keep the ball inside 50 and the pressure on.

After learning late in the game that it was Toose’s 50th game, Con assisted by Dean “look at me ladies I am the runner” Beaumont made the move. Dobson back, Toose forward. While controversial as Dobbo was “on the verge of a bag*”, the move paid immediate dividends with Toose kicking the final 2 goals of the game, including a Pele style mid-air volley from the top of the square.

A great team effort all round, resulting in the song being sung very loud with Con getting the obligatory Gatorade shower. The bar has now been set for the rest of the year, with a good team effort being required every week to keep finals chances alive.

*quote Chris Dobson.