| MD1 -R10 20 Jun 2026 Sat - 10:55 am - MKO1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Best PlayersPat Witt Zac Morris Jack Lucas Joshua Bartlett Zac Elliott Damian Ballard |
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Goal ScorersKalan Murray - 3 Damian Ballard - 1 Joshua Bartlett - 1 Zac Elliott - 1 Oscar Keyes - 1 Zac Morris - 1 |
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From the outset, the group brought the right intent. The first half was exactly the brand of footy we’ve been building towards—hard at the contest, disciplined around the ball, and willing to take the game on. To hold North Shore to just 3.4 (22) at halftime while we put up 5.3 (33) was a reflection of our defensive structure and collective buy-in. We controlled territory well and gave ourselves every chance against a very strong outfit.
The third quarter proved decisive. North Shore were able to open the game up, adding 5.4 (34) in that period, which ultimately created the gap. While that run hurt us on the scoreboard, the response from our group late in the game was important—we stuck to task, fought it out, and refused to let the game blow out. That resilience is something we can build on.
It’s important to highlight that this performance came without several key top-end players available, which makes the effort even more commendable. The depth and willingness of this group to step up against the benchmark side in the competition speaks volumes about where we’re heading. To push the ladder leaders the way we did, despite those absences, shows we are not far off.
There were some strong individual contributions.
• Zac Morris and Patrick Witt were consistent all day and worked tirelessly around the contest.
• Jack Lucas and Joshua Bartlett provided drive and presence, particularly in the first half where we dictated terms.
• Zac Elliott and Damian Ballard also played their roles and contributed to a team-first performance.
What stood out most was the collective effort—this was a genuine team performance built on effort, pressure, and accountability.
While there is definitely a sense of disappointment given how close we were to a genuine upset—a near “Goliath” performance—the overriding feeling should be belief. We have proven that when we bring our system and intensity for four quarters, we can match it with the best side in the competition.
Looking ahead, this level sets a clear standard. If we can replicate that effort and consistency against teams around and below us on the ladder, we give ourselves every opportunity to string wins together and build momentum into the back half of the season.
The message is simple: Stay the course, trust the system, and bring that same intensity every week. If we do that, results will follow.
Jeff Hardman - MD1 Coach
