It was a great return to form on the weekend and we were happy not only with the result, but the way we went about the match.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the game was the return to form of some of our key senior players.
Ryan O’Keefe was given the big job on Luke Hodge and did a great job nullifying his influence and supply to Hawthorn’s dangerous forward line. To kick four goals on top of that role was a bonus.
Brett Kirk was another who was given an important job. He and Sam Mitchell have played on each other many times over the years and it is always a great match-up. Brett’s effort on Sam on Saturday was excellent and combined with Ryan, their ability to shut down two of Hawthorn’s prime movers in the midfield really helped set up the win.
The story of the week has certainly been ‘that goal’ from Lewis Jetta. It was an amazing reaction from the SCG crowd and the coaches box was just as vocal. The reaction from the crowd and his teammates shows just what a popular player Lewis is around the club and it is exciting to think what the future holds for him. Lewis has played some good football at Subiaco with Swan Districts, so we hope his second, third and fourth goal come a lot sooner than his first.
This week is a big challenge for our group - a trip to Perth, at Subiaco against a very good side in Fremantle.
We have kept to our regular Perth routine by travelling over on Wednesday. This gives us a chance to train at Subiaco and gives the players the opportunity to get a good look and feel for the ground.
Subiaco is a big ground, but we go into the game with some of our key runners in good form. Rhyce Shaw, Lewis Jetta, Ben McGlynn and Jarrad McVeigh are great running players and all come off strong performances against the Hawks.
Athletic tall Sam Reid, midfielder Brett Meredith and Gary Rohan, who booted six goals in the Reserves last week, have all made the trip to Perth with our 22 players who defeated Hawthorn. We are confident that any of those three players can make the step up to senior level should they be required.
Despite a poor showing last weekend, Fremantle have had a sensational year, including a win against the Swans at the SCG.
A determined four quarter performance will be the key to our chances this Saturday at Subiaco. We have struggled to play our best football consistently this year, but if we can achieve that against Fremantle, we will give ourselves every chance of taking the points.
