Blue Ain’t Our Colour

Glenelg v Sturt, Unley Oval, 10 July 2021

Under a sunny, cool sky, the Tigers couldn’t shake off a persistent Sturt in the first half. They were getting plenty of the footy but wasted their efforts through disorganized approaches to goal. But by the end of the 3rd quarter, the natural order had been restored: the dominant midfield (Snook, Turner, Partington, Agnew – Bradley and Allen on the wings,) got value for repeated entries in attack and the work was finished off. Coach Brett Hand emphasized the key statistic at lemon time: 40 contested possessions to 19.  And the resulting 5 goals to 1 set up the game, despite a last quarter rally by Sturt. Clearances were 42 to 23, with Jack Hannath dominating.

We were entertained by the Sturt fan who kept yelling “Charity!” when a Glenelg player was favoured with a free.  But we were puzzled that he kept yelling “Charity!” when a Glenelg player took a mark(?) Oh well: guess he knew what he meant.  In any case, charity was discarded after the interval and the Blues’ defence couldn’t handle Liam McBean (6 goals) or the goal-sneaks Reynolds, Motlop, Bailey and Yates.

25 scoring shots to 15 tell the story.

The Bay’s defence – Proud, Curran, Durdin, McCarthy, Martini and Landt – was staunch as usual. Al Martini took one for the team that emblematizes the group this year; not only polished but tough as well. 

And changing off the bench, Virgin, Newman, Kuller and Pink stood out. Toby Pink sometimes annoys the purists but as a work in progress he progresses well: his two opportunistic goals were terrific and came at just the right time.

South next week and Tiger Fan’s hearts are in their mouths as we continue to ride this winning streak.

Glenelg 14.11 (95) Sturt 10.5 (65)