Round 3 - Game day with Colts Head Coach Brad Dodd, supported by Ocean Hill Estate

The Ocean Hill Estate - Peel Thunder Colts were back at home last Sunday, taking on the Perth Demons at Bendigo Bank Stadium. After the game, we spoke with Head Coach, Brad Dodd.

 

 

BD: It was a frustrating start to the game. Our forwards were collapsing in on each other, which made it easier to defend and when we were getting shots, we weren’t converting. We had 2 set shots go out on the full. 

 

 

 

BD: The forwards started giving each other a bit of space and working for each other and we looked more likely to score. Perth have a strong midfield and were finding plenty of the ball but our pressure in close and ability to contain them on the outside was making life a little easier for our backs.  

 

 

BD: Perth's ability to switch the ball quickly and spread from contests destroyed us. On turnover, we weren’t quick enough to slow them down and in the end our defence cracked under the weight of numbers.  We were given a lesson in gut running. At times we had opportunities to stall the momentum but missed simple set shots. 

 

 

BD: As a coaching group we made some slight adjustments and the message was to be bolder with our ball movement.  We couldn’t control the ball at all in the 3rd, but when under pressure, we started to play safe football. The message was to be a little more daring than we had been but we needed to try and get on top around the contest. We reinforced that we need to protect the corridor defensively and for our transition time to getting quicker considerably. 

 

 

BD: I thought Perth were outstanding. Their Midfield certainly showed us the standard in terms of work rate and contested ball. We head into the bye with a clear understanding of the level we need to get to- which is exciting. We feel our best football is pretty good, the challenge is to consistently deliver it.  

 

 

 

BD: Both are 17 year olds. Clifton Stack was unlucky to miss out in Round 1. He plays forward and wing- quite a range type with long arms. Has some genuine speed and acquitted himself quite well- though he was a little inaccurate. He could’ve kicked 4 goals. Jake Willis is a similar type, quick with a good jump and can take a decent mark. He kicked 2 behinds, shots he’d normally make- which would’ve capped off a decent game. We also had Zavier Williams in for his first game for the season and he was one of our better performers.

 

 

BD: I thought Jarvis Pina continued his recent good form. He gave us plenty of bounce from half back and used the ball well. Jarrad Fazioli had his best game for the year, playing through the midfield in the second half, he gave us a bit of energy around the ball. Lachlan Riley, Andrew Butler and James Sturrock were both serviceable through the midfield- though had their colours lowered overall on the day. As mentioned, Zavier Williams was solid in the ruck.