Quick getaway Tigers’ key
A TEAM that thrives on confidence, Grovedale has signalled that fast starts are essential to its hopes to progress further in the finals.
A fast start allowed Grovedale to open up a lead against Bell Park yesterday, with a 19-point advantage giving the Tigers the break they needed.
Adam Donahue was essential to that strong start with two first quarter goals, while Jordan Erskine and ruckman Ryan Abbott were lively.
Coach Craig McCaughan said the quick start was brought about by a plan to load up on quality around the midfield.
“We’re not a side that generally starts well but we tried to load up, essentially with Adam Donahue and our really good ball uses on the ball so that worked this week,” he said.
“(Abbott) gave our midfielders first use early on, which makes it a bit easier for our mids and our forwards to get delivery in there, one on one. They’re obviously pretty good.”
A five-goal third term from Bell Park opened the door to a comeback and left Grovedale to stave off a fightback.
The Tigers have conceded leads this year late in games, so to hold off the challenge will provide an extra confident boost.
“It is (good) for our boys because there have been a couple times that we haven’t done it, so to hold the lead this time means it’s not an issue for us any more,” McCaughan said.
“That third quarter they were pretty good. They had nothing to lose really and they threw everything at us but we weathered the storm to a certain degree and got the game back on our terms.”
The win was marred by a suspected ACL injury to tall forward and relief ruckman Sam Kelly.
In the midst of an impressive game, Kelly landed awkwardly after clunking a pack mark and was stretchered off.
McCaughan said the forward line will have to be tinkered with next week when his side meets St Joseph’s to cover for Kelly’s absence, with Zac Smith, Caleb Bacely and Cameron Young ready to replace him.
“It’s more disappointing for him. Footy comes and goes and wins and losses are forgotten, but to potentially be out for a year is a shocker. He’s a good kid and hopefully he’ll come back bigger and better,” McCaughan said.
“There’s a couple of guys we can bring up. Our forward line will have to look a bit different because Sam’s out.”