We're going to Bonnie Doon!
What a great line from The Castle a great Australian comedy but in our case very true this Saturday.
We didn't play the Doon Dogs at their home ground last year, so it is very much uncharted waters for almost everyone connected with Tarrawingee.
We organise a bus (always a good bonding exercise), and while a whole range of topics get spoken about on the way over, we devote some time to the game and where we think it can be won or lost.
The challenge today is to beat a side above us on the ladder for the first time this year.
But a game of football seldom turns out the way you think.
Rd 8 v Bonnie Doon:
We are ahead by one goal at quarter time in a tight tussle. It is a very important game for Bonnie Doon as well, and the pressure is on right across the ground.
I leave the quarter time huddle expecting more of the same in the second quarter. Then, suddenly, it all clicks.
Out of the blue we play our best quarter of the season so far. We run harder than the opposition, hit our targets, and start doing all the 'one percenters' that always make a difference. We hold a good lead at half time.
The main break can do strange things to a football team. Over the years I have seen it stop the momentum of a side playing well, other times it has been the turning point for a team that is under pressure.
I'd like to bottle whatever was said, or done, in the Bonnie Doon rooms at half time because the third quarter is a total transformation.
I won't go over old ground and say where we let ourselves down. Full credit to Bonnie Doon, who have gone into this game without several of their star players, and play with real passion and desire to get back into the game.
I give the boys a light spray at three quarter time. Not the easiest thing to do when I didn't get too many kicks myself in that term, but we must try something given the importance of this game.
Bingo! We're back on in the last quarter, and the points are ours.
I must make mention of Daniel Barassi in this game. His 10 goals are pretty much the difference between us winning and losing. Will be interested to see if he pulls three votes in the Baker Medal.
Good trip home on the bus. The boys are happy, and with another bye next Saturday, they can forget about footy for a little while.
Still can't put my finger on why we are so inconsistent.
Two weeks now to mull that over.
This is part of a series by Tarrawingee F C coach - Finton Eames.
Review of Rd 8 match v's Bonnie Doon FC.
FOCUS: Tarrawingee players (from left) Daniel Salmon, Aaron Vihm, Daniel McCullough, Chris Penney and Cam Kennedy listen to instructions during a team huddle.
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Last Modified on 28/09/2011 18:17