Eastern Rovers - Round 1 match report

Thursday
Goodridge has been omitted from next Sunday's Round 2 match against Knox due to the dreaded rotation system. His inclusion in Round 3 against Murrumbeena has been assured.
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Monday
Sunday was “new boots” day at the Perc. Allison oval in Beaconsfield where Eastern Rovers took on, and defeated, the Beaky Eagles in Round 1 of their 3rd division, MAFV clash.
Existing (quite happily) for the past two seasons with a set of “old school,” Lou Richards style football boots with screw in studs and high ankle support, I have purchased a brand spanking new pair of Nike boots (with moulded soles) that are red and silver (by engaging my Footlocker specialist early). The old boots had become uncomfortable and the new ones were about as inexpensive as I could go.
Suffice to say that my old boots were the butt of many jokes by the fellas at my old club. It would seem that the simple garishness of my new boots will continue the jokes for another week or two yet. I’m sure it was a compliment when the coach said that they needed an award struck in my honour at year end.
I played the first half on the half-back flank and found little trouble in being involved in the action, setting up plays forward and avoiding anything difficult like packs or mud. The new boots were comfortable to run in and for the most part, I hit my targets by foot (except for once when I was aiming for the coach and missed … ouch).
Eastern got on top early with the best of the centre clearances. Our defence was tight and the forwards locked the ball in our forward 50 effectively.
I moved to half-forward for the 3rd quarter and contributed to the team score by kicking a goal. Similar to the practice game two weeks prior, I was by myself around 40 metres out, more or less in front and I kicked truly. This time, someone else had the good grace to handball to me as he was being tackled into the turf. Kicking a goal in a real match was very exciting !
The rest of the quarter however saw Beaconsfield control play in their forward half but unable to convert. I spent a lot of time running from side to side at half forward with the ball not making it that far down the ground.
I played out the last quarter in the back pocket with the sole job of keeping some big, ugly mug quiet. Mission accomplished. Beaconsfield got to within 3 points however Eastern lifted through some fine ruck work from the butcher, big Dane, and kicked away again to win by nearly 4 goals (10.5.65 v 5.12.42). After one week, Eastern are in the top 4! Rule a line through the season now !
The Eastern Rovers squad (made up of Eastern Districts, East Ringwood Roos and Mitcham Tigers players) managed a combined total of 3 wins in 2006. To get 2007 underway with a win was a great thrill for all involved.
My stats were something like 2 or 3 kicks per quarter, half a dozen handpasses and about 4 marks.
We only have a one week break now until round 2, against suburban rivals, Knox Lions (who were smacked by Werribee and will be looking to restore some pride I don't doubt). This is our first home game for the year with a kick off time of 2pm.