Picture the former home of the dish lickers, the site of the Inter Dominion, the proposed home of the AFL team we dreamt about in the 1990s - yes the Hobart Show Grounds - now a Caravan Park and Sunday Market Place. Jeff took his charges north to Glenorchy for the match against the Glenorchy Knights who became top of the ladder following the demise of the Kingborough Lions. On arrival there were the Knights drilling on the pitch side - already kitted out and looking like mediaeval knights ready for action in a jousting that would see the Taroona boys skewered on poles.
Taroona of course takes a more modern approach to the pre-match routine. I am yet to figure it out but again it has worked.
Come game time, the fierce Knights started strongly. Taroona broke that run of a goal to the opposition in the opening seconds and counter attacked vigorously. The Taoona goal was a beautiful team effort - Liam finishing the job with another deft touch.
Taroona attacked constantly while Glenorchy repaid the favour with rapier thrusts only to meet the Imposing Joey - solid and flairsome in goal. Come half time Taroona were one up. The second half saw even more determined attacking from the jousters. At 10.52 Mastercoach Jeff in a Hiddink like ploy asked his attackers to stay back. Only in the last ten seconds did he Knights look like scoring - they hadnt factored in the Imposing Joey who imposed himself yet again and secured the three points.
The FFA had recognized the phenomenon that is the Taroona Under 14s by supplying - for the first time this season - a Ref and two linespersons plus a Refs coach. Spectators quizzed Coach Jeff as to what his magic consisted of - of course none should try to dissect such artistry. It only leads to silly instructional videos and Dummies guides. You've either got it or you haven't!
Next week Ranelagh. Taroona on a roll. The Mastercoach still plotting and planning! Stay tuned.
As the Taroona boys left the site of many a Grand Parade there were the knights warming down. Bemusing really!
1 comment:
I agree - all the great teams of both the modern and historical eras are and have been proficient at the art of knocking the ball about at the back. As the pre season rolls on you'll find that supercoach will gradually also incorporate looking for a player in position to receive a through ball - as the regular season comes round the two phase drill will be enhanced by the player receiving the through ball also executing a scoring shot. Its one day at a time in pre-season - learning to walk before you can run, etc
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