The Kardinya Kats made the trek ‘all the way up the hill’ to play the Roley 12s for the first time in 3 seasons. They were greeted by a friendly warm autumn day and confronted by a desperate Tigers looking to atone themselves.

The tone was set within the first minute with Jake Spanjers rebounding off the half back line and Eric Mitchel’sl bulldogging, resolute defence. The first fore into the forward line resulted in a goal from Jayden Batley following a desperate tackle. Jackson Morfitt chimed in with two first quarter goals following good solid overhead marks and long shots. Mark Fraser appeared to be everywhere gathering many possessions around the midfield. Riley Gibbons knocked the ball forward in the ruck to set up several attacking passages, and he threw his body into contests protecting his team mates and clearing a path for them.

The second quarter saw a couple of smaller players come in to the game with the Captains, Jack and James involved in a couple of goals. Jackson Hanna presented well at Full forward and an open forward line saw goals kicked regularly. Kye Sweetapple was in and under the packs with Morfitt on the end of some good team work to goal again. Brodie Terima and Travis Newland were solid across half back with a few strong marks and line breaking runs.

The third quarter was the beginning of the Justin Burrows show. Tackling, second efforts, kicks and hard run all over the ground saw Burrows gather many possessions. Spanjers seemed to be on the end of most Kardinya attacks and constantly rebounded the ball to Roley’s advantage.

The final quarter request by the coach was to play on where possible and practise the skills that are not always possible under pressure. An even final quarter was highlighted by a great Samual Tiddy mark.

The game ended in the positive for the Roley boys with a great team effort highlighted by a few super individual performances.

Great players: Eric Mitchell, Justin Burrows, Mark Fraser, Jake Spanjers, Jackson Morfitt.