Match of the Week – Melville v Wanneroo
13 Jun, 2008
The round 9 Keystart Home Loans Match of the Week is between B grade combatants Melville and Wanneroo at Melville Reserve.? Both teams sit in the bottom half of the table and this match shapes up to be a must win for both sides chances of advancing up the ladder.
Melville was promoted from C Grade after a successful 2007 season and has taken a lot of enthusiasm and intensity into this new challenge.? The club aims to win enough games to stay above relegation and build a strong, competitive B Grade unit in the future.
It did not take the boys long to learn that a lapse in concentration does not go unpunished in the higher grades.? The league side, coached by Geoff Wolfenden has been competitive in the opening half of games but failed to put four solid quarters together for the opening six rounds of the season.? The last two games have produced a turn around in fortunes, with two wins on the trot and a winnable, albeit very challenging home game this weekend, confidence has grown and the boys feel like they belong.
A core group of senior players form a great partnership with the young players that hold Melville in good stead for the years ahead.? Two colts sides under the watchful and experienced eye of Chris Harris shows that Melville are committed to player development. Shane Brown and Rob Sims form the rest of senior coaching staff, offering a wealth of game knowledge and training ability that has enthused and improved the club.
Wanneroo’s season to date has been a case of the one that has got away.? The league team is paying the penalty for losing some early games in the season that they were well placed to win, the most notable when they held an eight goal lead at half time and went on to lose by two.? Early losses and injuries have taken their toll as the season has progressed, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel with good players due back from injury in the near future and Wanneroo are confident that they can turn it all around and push for a finals birth and whilst they have only 3 wins on the board it is only percentage separating them from the top 5.
Wanneroo continues to get consistent performances from their two former all Australians, Leigh McKnight and Ricki Rogers as well as Corey Green and Cal Meredith.? The establishment of a third league side for the 2008 season has been a great positive which shows that the Wanneroo Football Club is in very good shape.
Melville is hosting Kerry O’Keefe on Thursday 31st July 7.30pm at Melville Reserve, with tickets for $20 available at the door, food and drinks on sale and memorabilia available for auction. Kerry is a genuine Aussie legend and motivational speaker and this event is open to the wider community. Melville is also in the early stages of upgrading their ground lighting and is hopeful of playing night games in the next few years.
Wanneroo has just had a highly successful Karaoke night and the club was left with no doubts that the players should stick to footy!? Ascot comes to the club with a horse racing night on the 28th June.? This Saturday the thirds are playing a night game with kick off at 5:30pm at the showgrounds.? The Roo’s welcome any new players, supporters and volunteers (enquiries Russell 0419 108 813 / russellb@peet.com.au)
