LA Trobe University

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Match Summary

La Trobe University produced a spirited performance but were ultimately left to rue a slow finish, going down to Albert Park by six points in a tightly contested Division 3 clash at Bill Woodfull Oval on Saturday.

The final score of 8.15 (63) to 8.9 (57) only tells part of the story, with momentum swinging repeatedly throughout an entertaining four-quarter battle.

Albert Park controlled much of the early territory and looked set to establish a commanding lead. However, wayward kicking in front of goal kept La Trobe within striking distance as the home side managed just 1.6 from numerous opportunities. La Trobe made them pay late in the term, producing an outstanding finish to the quarter with three consecutive goals in the final minutes. What had looked like a difficult opening quarter suddenly became a dream start, with the visitors turning a 12-point deficit into a six-point lead.

At quarter time, La Trobe held a 3.0 (18) to 1.6 (12) advantage.

The arm wrestle continued throughout the second term. The Falcons finally began to convert some of their opportunities, kicking two important goals to draw level midway through the quarter. The home team then peppered the goals with a string of behinds as both sides struggled to gain scoreboard separation. Just as Albert Park threatened to seize momentum, La Trobe responded brilliantly. Two late goals helped restore their advantage and ensured they would head into the rooms in front.

At the main break, La Trobe led 5.1 (31) to 3.10 (28), making the most of their opportunities while Albert Park’s inaccuracy continued to keep the visitors in the game.

The third term proved to be the turning point. The Falcons emerged from half time with renewed energy, kicking consecutive goals to grab the lead for the first time since the opening minutes of the game. The pressure lifted around the contest and every possession became increasingly important. La Trobe fought hard to stay in touch and a late goal reduced the margin, but Albert Park’s ability to generate repeat scoring opportunities gradually began to wear the visitors down.

At the final change, Albert Park held a narrow 5.14 (44) to 6.6 (42) lead.

The home side struck first with two goals to open up a 14-point buffer, placing La Trobe under significant pressure. Rather than fold, the visitors responded immediately with two majors of their own, bringing the margin back to just two points and setting up a thrilling final few minutes. With the game hanging in the balance, Albert Park managed the crucial next goal to stretch the lead again. La Trobe continued to attack and generated chances late but could only add two behinds as the clock wound down.

The final siren sounded with Albert Park holding on for a hard-fought 8.15 (63) to 8.9 (57) victory.

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LA Trobe University

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LTUFC

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Match Summary

It was down to Ross Greogry Oval at Albert Park for our Senior Women as they took on Power House, who are one of the top sides in the Division 1 Women’s competition.

With the outs to the side a larger amount than the inclusions, there were only 18 magnets on the board in a 16 v 16 matchup.

To be a chance in the contest, Sam Greene’s side knew they would have to start strongly. Thanks to some early quarter forward half territory and a plethora of repeat entries inside 50, it was the Trobers who put the first goal on the board through Marleigh “Merl” Andrews getting out the back. Shortly after, Merl made it two, scoring from the goal square in similar fashion to her first.

It was a tremendous first quarter effort, with all lines across the ground contributing to a well-deserved 13 to 2 lead.

Another quarter of high pressure and effort followed, however Power House began to display signs of their quality. A free kick from a boundary throw-in was the catalyst for the home team getting their first goal, then two classy finishes from long range would make it a 3 goal to nothing quarter.

Despite trailing at half time, there was good energy in the rooms with optimism that a strong second half could set up a nail-biting finish.

The intensity and the will to win didn’t go away, but Power House were getting their hands to the footy first and causing the fatiguing Trobers to chase out of possession at various times throughout the quarter.

Two Power House goals were added to their tally by the time the third quarter ended, making it a 19-point deficit at the final break.

With some high-end talent missing from the lineup, it was difficult to swing changes and find answers to counter a potent opposition. Star forward Ineka Hart, whose tackle count was through the roof, was rewarded with a high-quality performance and spent the last quarter in the midfield.

The Trobers dug deep and nearly pulled off going the entire final quarter without conceding a goal, however Power House unfortunately kicked their 6th goal in a row with the final kick of the game.

La Trobe went down by 29 points, but there were numerous noticeable performers on the day.

Gun midfielder Makayla D’Angelo was everywhere, adding speed around the stoppage and making sure the opposition were unable to get clean looks going forward through relentless pressure and chase.

Charlotte Croome was solid both in midfield and defence, highlighting her ability to be reliable and consistent no matter where on the ground she played.

Marleigh Andrews finished as the only goal scorer on the day with 2, whilst Steph Castagnini was brilliant in midfield, and Madi Duffy performed well in the backline and continues to improve each week.

Next week is another road trip away to face the 4th placed Ormond, who have just lost to Old Carey, the side the Trobers have defeated this season.

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LA Trobe University

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LTUFC

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Match Summary

The Midday Show was on the road down to a cold and windy Albert Park to take on The Falcons for the second time this season. Going into the game, we had high hopes, as we managed to get a solid win against them on our home deck during our last meeting, but the home ground advantage proved strong for The Falcons. While it was not the result we had hoped for, there were some positives to come from the match, with our midseason recruit Jeremy dominating in the ruck and showing off his fitness by getting to countless contests.

From the opening bounce, the game was played frantically due to the slippery conditions, and both teams found it difficult to transition the ball cleanly. Sam O’Donnell’s relentless pressure in the midfield helped slow the home sides’ scoring opportunities, and his hard work up and down the ground was a major contributor to our ability to transition the ball at all. Wingman Saxon Dwyer also proved to be a pivotal contributor to our ball movement all day; he provided an option down the line and was able to work up and down the ground to make sure he was part of every contest. This pivotal ball movement saw Joseph Moio on the receiving end, allowing him to kick the Trobers’ first of the day.

The second term started slowly but began to pick up, with the midfield pressure of Ernie Fan throwing his body around and laying a number of tackles, lifting the intensity of the whole squad around the ground. The increase in pressure across the ground saw the Trobers make more forward entries, which unfortunately we were unable to convert.

Coach Mark O’Brien threw some magnets around during the halftime break, and the message was to continue playing how we had finished the quarters. We could not afford to come out of the gates slowly like we had in the first and second terms.

During the third quarter, the pressure was on early from Albert Park, but we began to see ruckman Jeremy find form as he won more hit-outs and made himself a clear marking target down the line. Connor Burns put together a solid performance coming off halfback, as he managed to lock down his direct opponent, and his ability to win the ball prevented countless goals.

The fourth quarter had a similar storyline, with the quarter starting slowly and the Trobers finishing strongly. The Falcons kicked the first three of the term, but the Trobers found their feet again and managed to keep the home team goalless thereafter. The Trobers continued to work, and Ruben Cottee was on the receiving end as he kicked one from 25 metres out. Mitch Collins also managed to take a mark from a shot at goal that fell short, which allowed him to kick his first of the day after two missed attempts earlier.

Although the cold and windy conditions made scoring difficult, the Trobers never dropped their heads and continued to fight until the final siren. There were plenty of positive signs to take away, particularly the effort and commitment shown around the contest. If we continue to bring that same intensity each week, the results will certainly come.

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LTUFC acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations as the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet. We pay our respects to them, their culture and Elders past and present.
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