Dallas Magpies at Austin, Game #2

Coaches Corner.

May 1st 2004.

After a reasonably convincing win a couple of weeks ago in Austin, this game was surely going to be a different story for a few reasons. The weather was cold and windy – not perfect conditions for clean footy or big scores. Austin wanted revenge on Dallas for the first defeat of their season. But the biggest difference would be seeing how the Magpies would gel as a team and start to do the little things that will be necessary to be successful this year.

With a few trial positional changes, Dallas entered the first quarter very hard and was rewarded with the first three goals, when center players broke through and delivered to the forward line. This was a great start and showed that the kind of running game we need to be playing will pay off. It was pretty much all Dallas in the first quarter with the majority of play across the centerline and forward zone. When the ball did venture down to the Austin offensive area it was quickly shut down by Brandon Blankenship and crew, then rebounded.

The second quarter started off well again with Dallas contesting well in the center. Big D, Justin Chance, Chris Cordry and little Ant began working well together and even though we didn’t win all the taps they hustled for the ball and broke clear on many occasions. This will be a key to winning games this year – a quick possession in the middle and then a quick kick into the forward line. Dallas continued throughout the second period with plenty of running and rewarding, which resulted in goals. Dashing mid-fielder Justin Chance dominated all over the ground and was damaging in the forward line kicking 3 goals.

Heading into the main break the Pies had a comfortable lead but the third quarter is where games can be won and lost, and Austin was sure to come out firing. The wind was still playing tricks with all players but it seemed like Dallas were able to advance through accurate kicking to teammates and sensible handballing. The pinpoint hand balling was a credit to all players and some of the best we’ve seen to date. There were very few errors, and those that did hit the ground were quickly recovered. To Austin’s credit they remained in the game through some hard fighting and determination. The game was still up for grabs at three quarter time.

Austin definitely came out pumping in the last quarter and kicked 2 unanswered goals. This is something that cannot happen this year if we are to be successful. When teams get a little run on like Austin did we really need to shut it down quickly. To the backline’s credit they did so and everyone tightened up and were even closer to their opponent. Austin threw all they had at the Dallas team but with some superior running, creating options and strategy Dallas consolidated and posted a second win of the season. It was great to see those players who we tried in new positions play as though they had done so for years. This will benefit the entire team and help the coaching staff make sound decisions when selecting sides.

As I mentioned at the top we are beginning to gel as a team but our real test is still ahead of us. It is critical that all players get out during the week and do extra work on their own. In addition to this, attending mid week practice, where we will be looking at specific drills and strategy for our first MAAFL game. There is no excuse for missing Saturday’s team practice either! This week we’ll have the goal posts up and get into some final preparations for St. Louis. Thanks for a good start to the year. Let’s make it a great start on the 15^th and commit to being responsible and accountable for our actions on the field.

Cheers,

Coach Stu