Poowong’s lack of commitment exposed

By Geoff Wyatt

POOWONG welcomed Ellinbank on Saturday in overcast, cold conditions, though there was no rain during the senior game and the ground stood up well.

Early in the day, the netball girls drew in the U13s, 16 each. 

The U15s won 29-24, and the U17s won 35-13. 

The Fourths football team had a good win, 8.5.53 to Ellinbank’s 1.8.14. 

Unfortunately, Poowong lost the U18s, as many players were playing seniors and were not asked to play in both games given the conditions.

I understand that last season, an interstate club was looking at a young Poowong footballer. 

You never know who is watching games and I’ve seen these people at many matches I have attended in various competitions. 

Sometimes they come back with other possibilities. 

Young players should always ensure they have a good fitness level and strong hands for marking. 

I’ve seen so many young sportsmen waste the opportunity to play at higher levels due to a lack of commitment. 

Remember to give yourself every chance because there’s no point saying in ten years, “If I had only worked harder, I might have made it.”

The seniors made three changes: In: Connor Cunningham, Ben Peters (first game for the year), and Jett Blackwood from the U18s. 

Out: Troy Nieuwerth and Hayden Hessels (both back to the U18s) and Fiachra Staunton (injured).

Poowong kicked to the Drouin Road end, but it was Ellinbank who kicked the first goal. 

Poowong replied with a goal off the ground by Tyran Lord. 

Both sides added points before Ellinbank kicked their second goal. 

Then Zac Gray, who battles hard every week, kicked Poowong’s second.

Ellinbank added a late goal and a couple of points to finish the first quarter with a 12-point lead.

Poowong worked hard in the first quarter, but with so many players unfit to play Senior football, how long would their first-quarter effort continue? 

Connor Ives kicked the first goal for Poowong – their third – but from then on, the game was all Ellinbank. They kicked five goals in the second quarter to lead at halftime.

It’s disappointing to see senior players with ability not training and embarrassing themselves in contests – failing to put pressure on Ellinbank players going forward, not giving the Poowong defence a chance to make a contest, and allowing Ellinbank players to mark in the clear and kick truly.

The coach comes to each game with a plan, but with players unfit due to a lack of training, they are not able to carry out simple instructions like manning up one-on-one or even attempting to punch the ball away in a marking contest. 

It was such a disappointing effort after halftime – probably the worst in my 60 years of involvement in football, especially from a proud club like Poowong.

Ellinbank kicked nine goals in the third quarter and five in the last, while Poowong managed just a single point in the final term.

Poowong plays Bunyip at Bunyip next Saturday.