Round 7 - Q & A with Colts Coach Brad Dodd

The Ocean Hill Estate Peel Thunder Colts were back in action last Saturday, taking on Subiaco at Bendigo Bank Stadium. After the game, we spoke with Head Coach, Brad Dodd.

A solid performance against Claremont last game before the State bye, what did the team get up to over the break?

BD: We didn’t deviate too much from our normal format. We got our South West guys up twice during the bye week, which is great for the group as we usually only see them on a Monday. Our State representatives are now gone for 2 months and Bradley Oldfield got added to the squad after the Claremont game, which is exciting for him and us as a program.

Is having the State players away something you prepare for?

BD: As a program, we have. I guess you have an idea of players in the mix and we’re always pushing up our guys to the selectors but because there’s such an even spread of talent across the competition you’re never 100% certain. We made sure we invested heavily in our 17 year olds early so that they’re not all coming in now and are expected to pick up the tempo straight away. We’re happy with the 4 selected, and Durak Tucker would’ve made it 5 if he wasn’t injured, but we feel a few that have missed are a little unlucky. There’s still a chance some may get added.

Speaking of 17 year olds, another debutant this week in Deon Welhan. Tell us a little about him?

BD: Deon is a player who can play Inside Mid, Wing and Forward. He was apart of the State 16’s program last year. He’s a good mark for his size and plays with real energy when the ball is in his area. He’s had to work pretty hard to get a look in and he still has plenty of improvement left in him but we think he can have a bright future if he continues to improve.

Round 7 and Subiaco, who have started the season strongly but are coming off a last game loss against West Perth, their first for the season. Is that something that’s mentioned in the lead up?

BD:  Not really. Subiaco have had a strong start to the season, but it’s still quite early and teams are still finding their way at this level. We played them in a trial game, and while the sides were different, they certainly challenged us and had control of the game for long stretches. So we knew we’d need to be at our best to match them.

Subiaco got the early ascendancy in the 1st Quarter, opening up a handy 22 point lead at the break- where was the damage being done?

BD: There were a few areas of concern from the coaching box but primarily, Subiaco were out hunting us in the contest. They smashed us in contested ball and tackle count. We made some sloppy mistakes with the ball down back that cost us shots at goal. We had 8 Handball Receives for the quarter, so we weren’t running. All our major KPIs were red. The message at the break was simple,  we were being outworked and unless we addressed it, it was going to be a long day.

A positive start to the 2nd quarter, narrowing the margin to 10 points before Subiaco once again kicked away, leading by 29 points at half time. How did you see the 2nd Quarter and what was the message at half time?

BD: Defensively, we were still giving up easy goals through simple errors, sloppy free kicks or lost 1 on 1’s. Something as a group we pride ourselves on. All other areas that were out of whack in the 1st quarter evened out but Subiaco had 13 scores from 18 Inside 50s. The message was fairly blunt at half time but the game wasn’t out of reach and we really needed a stronger effort defensively, not just from the Backs, but across the whole ground.

A strong response in the 3rd, kicking 5 goals to 1 to close the margin to 7 points. How did you see the 3rd quarter?

BD: We had  stronger intent at the ball, and man, right from the first bounce. You could tell we were trying to be bolder with our ball movement. We’d had 13 Handball Receives to half time but had 17 in the 3rd quarter. That meant we moved the ball Inside 50 quicker and it gave our forwards a chance. Subiaco were still scoring a high percentage of times they went Inside 50 but we put them under more pressure when they had their shots- either by forcing them wider or putting pressure on the ball carrier when shooting on the run.

With the game in the balance, kicking into a slight breeze, what was the message?

BD: That we needed to continue to be bold with the ball. We reinforced with our Forwards that they needed to get the ball to ground, even if outnumbered. That our Backs win their 1 on 1s. That we continue to fight hard for each contest and move onto the next. We made some slight changes to our Midfield structure but we generally backed in our guys to fight their way through.

A cliffhanger, with a Subiaco shot after the siren (from 60m) falling short and a great come from behind 4 point win. What were you most pleased with?

BD: I was really happy for the group that we finally got over the line in a close game. Over the last 2 years there’s been about 10 games decided by less than a kick and i think we’ve won 1 or 2. We’ve been doing a lot of 2 minute scenarios and to see the players execute under pressure was really pleasing. It wasn’t perfect- and we spoke about things we could’ve done better after the game. Also happy that we were able to respond after half time- to be able to change the course of the game, as a team and as individuals, is something our guys are still learning- what works, what doesn’t- not accepting what is happening.

Who were the better performers on the day?

BD: We thought Jake Howes, Lachlan Riley and Andrew Butler were strong 4 quarter performers all day and lifted in the 2nd half. We moved Lachie into the middle at half time and he gave us a different look and some real drive. Jake really lead from the front and is continuing to get better each game. Andrew is having a great season. He’s become a really important player for us with his attack on the ball and strong work ethic. Up forward, we got great contributions from Lachlan Cullen, Jack Sears and Jaxon Egan. Lachie kicked 3 goals and had 6 tackles- often competing against defenders dropping into his space but continually bringing it to ground. Jack has been excellent for us and is regularly hitting the scoreboard now- he’s already found a consistent level. Jaxon had been quiet in his first 2 games but as I mentioned earlier, it’s takes a few games for the young guys to pick up the tempo and he should get a lot of confidence from his 2 goals and 5 Inside 50s.

Away to East Fremantle next Round, another big challenge. You’re yet to win on the road.

BD: Part of our groups development is learning how to prepare and play well away from Mandurah. Some have to travel 1.5 hours to get there, having to get up at 5am. Every away game gives them a chance to work on their routine and preparation, which is all apart of the learning process. Plus another great test against last years Premiers.