|
So I've packed up the camp-chair and lugged it half-way across the world to a lovely little park just north of Melbourne. It is perfect footy whether, 60s, sunny and light breeze. I have a blanket and thermos and I'm set for some great footy.
The Revos have been in town a couple of days, enough time for the coaches to go over the Xs and Os and for a couple of light training runs to get the cobwebs out. The boys have bonded and gotten to know each other through team dinners, a reception at the G and a game at the Dome.
The Revos had a big day out on Wednesday, a handy 10-goal win over the Danes. The pressure was relentless, particularly from the swarming defense but the whole team put in the one-percenters - the tackles and smothers. Matt Jagger described the team as being liked "crazed dogs". However, it certainly wasn't a perfect match. The skills were a little down and the ball movement wasn't always what it needed to be but Head Coach Rob Oliver was pleased. “It was a physically demanding match. Our running pack was excellent and we have a midfielder core than never says die. Our key position players, such as Lakomy and Justin Valley all stood up. It was an excellent team effort and I am happy that we have this first game under our belts as I am sure, as in previous Cups, we will get better with every match.”
For Jay Levesque, it was a dream. "I started as rover out there which was a dream come true. A few of the guys on the Dane team knew me from my brother and they may have caught on to who I was because the Swedes who were watching the game cheered me onto the field when I would reenter." Levesque learned his footy in Sweden and his brother would have played for Sweden but is having a kid instead.
Assistant Coach (and possible player), Jason Becker, was impressed with the Danes. "The Danish team was physical and skilled. The field we played on had big wings and it seemed like when a team wanted to go wide, you might not see them again for a week. The scoreboard maybe didn't reflect it, but it was a spirited match with plenty of play at both ends."
Next up is China, who received an absolute hiding from the South Africans in the last game on Wednesday. This should be a chance for some of the guys to get the jumpers dirty and to rest some of the guys nursing niggling injuries. South Africa is after that, but the Revos will scout them in their game against Denmark in Geelong.
If the Revos make it out of pool play they may face PNG or Great Britain, both of whom had big wins, although PNG had a little bit of scare early against Nauru. On the other side, New Zealand, Ireland and Canada all came out of Round 1 with big wins.
Paul O'Keeffe for USFooty.com contributed to this report. Quote this article on your site I Views: 147
Only registered users can write comments. Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6 AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com All right reserved |