The team was greeted with one of the wettest grounds it has played on all season. After heavy rain the day before, the ground was more water and mud than grass.
Intense tackling was the instruction given to the players as they took on Broadford. This made for some very muddy players. Despite the heavy conditions, both teams were evenly matched.
This week’s Zephyrz award went to Deakan for his continual improvement. The Smarter Safety award went to Oscar for giving his all despite being covered in thick mud for most of the game.
Under 12
Tabilk 15.6 (96) d Broadford 0.0 (0)
With great rain on Saturday, the ground was in superb condition for a traditional wet weather game.
Both teams were showing great endeavour to win the ball at ground level, with Tabilk’s players showing great discipline to keep their feet and stay in the contest.
Grace Le Deux played a great utility game going between full-forward, ruck and full-back.
Hugh Murphy ran hard all day and was exciting to watch with his great agility. Co-captain Heath Heata Lane was electric up forward kicking eight goals and showed great strength over the ball by gathering the ball with one grab and finishing off well.
Angus Nash took some amazing overhead marks for wet weather and stood tall when moved across half-back, while Archy Harrison had 10 possessions in the first quarter and finished off strongly.
Oliver Smyth and Brodie Ballentine were a force once again in the midfield with great tackling and second and third efforts consistently all day. Flynn O’Brien was again a little master up forward, kicking some very clever goals by positioning himself in some dangerous positions for the opposition and getting front and centre of the contest, and first-year player Adam Thackery is growing with confidence with some tackles and handballs to teammates.
—Jack Smyth
Goals: Heath 8, Flynn, Angus 2, Oliver, Brodie, Bryce 1.
Awards: Maluka Thoroughbreds — Grace Le Deux; Hume Electrical — Heath Lane; North East Antennas — Adam Lane.
Under 14
Tabilk was wasteful in front of goal in heavy conditions at Avenel, kicking 1.5 in the first quarter and leaving the door ajar for Broadford.
Tabilk looked in control across the ground but not on the scoreboard.
Captain Angus Murray and vice-captain Mitch Coll led by example right across the ground. Unfortunately, they lacked the support needed to gain the ascendency.
Darby O’Brien continually found the ball and sent it forward. Nick Lindner gave everything he had for his team when in his area as well.
The loss of Connor Peterson was hard to cover, with his blistering pace missed.
Nathan Groom competed well in the ruck against a strong opponent.
The boys look ready for a rest before a big run home in the back end of the season.
—Ricki Shiner
Goals: Mitch Coll and Oscar Loweke.
Best: Angus Murray, Mitch Coll, Darby O’Brien, Rylan Joyce and Nick Lindner.