ROUND 5 WITH COLTS COACH BRAD DODD

The Ocean Hill Estate Peel Thunder Colts were back in action last Sunday, taking on East Perth at Leederville Oval. After the game, we spoke with Head Coach, Brad Dodd.

You had a bye last week, what was the focus during the break?

BD: The bye gave us a chance to reflect on the previous 3 games and we were able to sit down as a group and identify areas we thought we were going well in and other areas where we thought there was room for improvement. There was more of a focus on our ball movement and trying to get more value from our Inside 50 entries.

East Perth came out and started the game strongly, where were you falling down?

BD: It was a really poor start by us and we were lucky not to be further behind at quarter time. We were punished by some lazy defending and a lack of intent in some crucial contests. Missed tackles, bumping instead of tackling, trying to mark when we needed a spoil, silly free kicks- all basic decision making errors but ones that cost us scores. 

A strong 2nd term, kicking 6 goals for the quarter, where did you feel you were getting on top?

BD: We thought we began to get on top around the ball, Tyson Powell, Cam Gavin and Bradley Oldfield began to get first hands and we found some avenues to goal. Jack Sears, who had started back, went forward and gave us a strong presence. Most of our forwards are 17 this year and still learning the work rate that’s required but Jack has been pretty consistent with his pressure and effort all season without getting much reward- so it was great to see him hit the scoreboard.

East Perth got back on top in the 3rd quarter and went into the last break with a 7 point lead. How did you see the 3rd?

BD: It’s been the tale of our season to date, where we haven’t been able to string quarters together. The challenge for us as a group is to find that level of consistency. The challenge for our on field leaders is be able to set the tone when momentum is swinging the other way. East Perth created plenty of opportunities in the 3rd and we held out for a while but some undisciplined free kicks and careless ball use shot us in the foot late in the quarter.

With the game in the balance at 3/4 time, what was the message?

BD: We just reinforced what our best football looks like and to embrace the challenge of the situation. Making sure we took the game on with our ball movement but we needed a big effort around the contest.

In the end a bit of a heartbreaker, with a Clifton Stack shot at goal sliding wide on the siren and a 1 point loss.

BD: We created enough chances early in the last quarter to put some space between us and East Perth but we just didn’t execute well enough. Over the past few seasons, we’ve lost a lot of games by under a goal. This was our 2nd loss this season by under a kick. The pleasing thing is that we learnt from the loss against Swans. We were better organised in evening up the numbers which gave us a chance to score, unfortunately the kick missed. We just lacked a little bit of composure at times going forward.

As coach, how do you address the group after a loss like that?

BD: Like all games, we spoke about things we did well and things we need to get better at. The pleasing thing is we gave ourselves a chance to win it, which we didn’t against Swans. We spoke about delivering under pressure and having some composure. How under pressure,  we just need to stick to our strengths and back in our structures and game style.

There must be some frustration at losing 2 close ones?

BD: Not really. It’s a great learning environment when you’re under pressure like that. You can train it but nothing compares to the real thing. Both games we were behind with a few minutes left. We saw a different mindset against EP than we did against Swans. That’s what we want to see, growth in our players.

Tell us a little about Jaxon Egan, who made his debut.

BD: Jaxon is one of our South West kids. He can play anywhere but mainly forward at the moment. He actually spent a fair chunk of the game across half back which was a different challenge for him. He’s a good mark and has a touch of class. It was a  step up for him from where he’s been playing but he did a couple of good things.   He’s another 17 year old and one who we think has a bright future.

Who were the better performers on the day?

BD: We thought Andrew Butler and James Sturrock continued their excellent start to the season. James started in the midfield before going to half back and giving us plenty of drive. Andrew played forward, wing and inside. He’s an incredibly hard worker. His kicking was a little off but he really stood up in the last. Bradley Oldfield had a good game- kicking 3 goals and providing some strong work around the stoppages. Down back, we thought Lachie Beverly was excellent. Just competed and played with a little bit of aggression.

Doesn’t get any easier, perennial grand finalists, Claremont next Saturday.

BD: As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a really even competition. Claremont had a great victory against South Fremantle on the weekend. They’re always very strong and have a very good midfield. Should be another great challenge for us.