By BRYAN MITCHELL
GIPPSLAND Power went into their Round-5 TAC Cup match with some positives and negatives to focus on from their win against the Northern Knights the week prior, and managed to put an exceptional performance on the board securing a whopping 105-point victory.
It was the Power who opened well but, ominously, they were off target early after working so hard to get the ball into scoring positions. They were applying excellent forward pressure on the Jets and Nash Holmes finally broke the deadlock with a clever snap from well out. Soon after this, Todd Beck delivered the ball long and direct and this time Deven Costigan was able to rove the pack to telling effect. Things were looking good for the Power but some indecisive defence set the Jets up for a gift goal.
The Power upped their work load but once again wasted chances to stretch their lead.
Early in the second term it was evident that the Power hadn’t listened to Leigh’s “subtle” reminder of the need to finish off their hard work when in attack. They again missed “gettable” shots but some fine ball use from Brad Olsson, Ethan Park and Todd Beck took the ball from defence to find Skinner who kicked accurately. Tom Papley chimed in for an important major and it seemed that the Power had finally heeded the message about finishing effectively.
The Power undid good play from defence with ineffective finishing before they rewarded themselves with a goal after great pressure by Park, Ferreira, Beck and finally Holmes. This scenario appeared to be supported by more excellent pressure, and great team work saw Beck kick his second goal.
After establishing himself as a steady contributor in 2014, Todd Beck has quickly stepped things up to becoming a key play maker for the side with his amazing work rate, skill under pressure and pace. He has developed amazing levels of self-belief under Leigh’s coaching this season and will be a critical factor in the side’s progression through the rest of the season.
The Power travels to Queensland this weekend to take on their state team for the 2015 National Championships.
TAC CUP
GIPPSLAND POWER 3.6 9.10 14.16 22.22 (154)
WESTERN JETS 2.2 4.2 5.5 7.7 (49)
Gippsland Goals: S. Skinner 4, T. Papley 3, N. Holmes 3, T. Hobbs 2, H. McKay 2, B. Ainsworth 2, T. Beck 2, K. Renooy 2, J. McMahon, D. Costigan. Best: T. Beck, S. Skinner, N. Holmes, T. Papley, B. Ainsworth, A. Ferreira.
Western Goals: M. Norton, J. Murdoch, B. Coletta, J. Beilby, M. Palma, J. Dundon, J. Cotter. Best: B. Coletta, O. Junker, L. Carter, J. Dundon, D. Foley, W. Berry.
