The day should have started full of promise with what was arguable the strongest line up available for the season launch. The mood was otherwise, as the shock announcement of Dennis' forced retirement reverberated through out the dressing room.
Preseason was over and a moderate amount of work had been done. So it was now time to focus on the task at hand, beating South Yarra. Incidentally, AC have not won at this venue for as long as records have been kept.
The game started with both teams observing a minutes silence in a moving tribute to the passing of South Yarra's President during the week.
The whistle went and every fibre of muscle in the AC machine was kicked into action. Early going was tough with both sides feeling out each other. (Not in a Blue Light disco way - perverts!) SY looked like a team who hadn't played much football as a cohesive unit, but their class was evident. It wasn't long before they all stopped ball chasing, got some structure and started piling the pressure on the AC defense.
Earth tremor:
Eight minutes in and the rampant Matthews called an end to his left wing runs and to the game. He hobbled off under the watchful eye of his fan club with ankle knack
EARTHQUAKE:
Measuring 9.5 on the Malvern scale, Eddie came crashing down minutes after Marty left the field. The crack of his knee could be heard across the park and the red and black hearts sank as this would signal the end of second AC Malvern career in a week. Fortunately we were playing outside the front doors of the Alfred and Eddie was able to be airlifted as the game continued. (The medical summary was a fracture which includes a ruptured cruciate)
Within minutes of this devastating double blow Tim found himself picking the ball out of the back of the net, a task he would get used to as the game went on.
A shining light in an otherwise gloomy day was the introduction of Joe Valentine. His pace upfront and awareness started to create all sorts of problems with SY sending three players to mark him. This opened a gap on the left for Jones to slide by defenders and net his first goal for the club; 1-1.
The yarra boys then decided enough was enough and they put the pressure on like the Bombers did to the Gold Coast Suns later in the day. Goal after goal as a helpless Tim was exposed by defensive lapses and they went into the break with a comfortable 4-1 lead.
The second half was no picnic with no reprieve from the pressure. Statisticians were amazed as AC time in possession elapsed to 4min 52secs of the 45min. In the end South Yarra were treating AC as their little brother sucking them in before delivering the killer blow; in this case goals. AC were fortunate to have Tim between the sticks as it could have been a more embarrassing scoreline, if possible.
The game done and a collection of disbelief and thanks that it was over summed up the group as they marched off to the change rooms.
This weeks (virtual) training will surely include focusing on keeping possession and not panicking.
AC Malvern 1 - 8 South Yarra
Jones
Best in show: Tim Nolan
WAGS player of the match: Joe Valentine
