Ammos coach laments team’s inability to dominate stoppages

GEELONG Amateur coach Rowan McSparron lamented his team’s inability to match it with Barwon Heads at the stoppages in Saturday’s 45-point loss at Howard Harmer Oval.

The Seagulls dominated in close for large periods of the game, allowing them to get the ball into space where they could use their fast legs.

It helped Barwon Heads hold Geelong Amateur goalless until midway through the second quarter, before it finally started to get some momentum.

A quick goal to start the third term allowed Ammos to get the margin back to 10 points, but the Seagulls were able to wrestle back momentum in the middle of the ground and runaway with a crucial win.

“I think their work from the stoppages was the most impressive thing,” McSparron said.

“We know they like to run in numbers, they’re pretty fleet of foot.

“We know we need to at least half the ball around the stoppage and when they do win it we are making sure we are covering off pretty early.

“We just gave them too many outlets coming forward and it was costly.”

Failing to break-even at the stoppages also had an impact further up the ground, with Ammos forwards struggling to get involved in the game.

The Seagulls’ midfield pressure didn’t allow Ammos to get any quick ball into their taller forward line, suffocating the impact of Mitch Day, who was held goalless by Dylan Holland.

“We tried to go a little bit taller at times down forward. Just the ball movement (was costly) and being able to suffocate us at the contest and not allow that free ball going forward really played into their hands,” McSparron said.

“When we were going long they had extra numbers at the drop of the ball and we were flying four or five at a time instead of one-on-one.”

McSparron was full of praise for youngsters Tom Baker, in his second game, and Liam Cogan, who stood up at crucial times.

Wade McSparron also offered plenty when he was moved to half back.

Daniel Grose, Brad King and Brenton Adams also stood out in the loss.

“I think our kids were pretty good, they were some of our better players,” he said.

“That hurts you at times, especially in big games. If you’re relying on the young kids to get the job done for you, you want the senior boys doing their bit as well.”

McSparron said the 45-point margin was reflective of the gap between the ladderleading Seagulls and his thirdplaced Ammos.

“I think so, absolutely,” he said.

“They are the team to beat at the minute. They move the ball really well, they’re well structured with two really good coaches and they lead from the front.”