Back on our home deck at Stradbroke Park the Crocodiles had a lot to prove after a hard fought victory against St Bernards the week earlier. With several changes to the line-up, the Diles were able to get a look at few players in different positions and with an eye to the top of the table clash against Old Melburnians looming, it would be a chance to get some consistency into our game. However, as is always the case, De La Salle came out hard against the Diles and played a very high standard of football that in no way was a reflection of their standing on the ladder.

Once again we were able to control the majority of possession in the early part of the game, however we were falling down across half forward and De La were able to clear the area with reasonable ease. Our back six and midfield were again in great touch and worked as unit to repel De La going forward, but with luck on their side DLS were able to kick three straight goals for the quarter from five forward entries. Our boys were wayward in front of goal and had we taken our early chances it would have been a marked difference at the first break. The players were implored to make the most of our possession and take our opportunities in front of goal. An outstanding five minute burst in the middle of the second quarter say the Crocs bang on three goals and looked ready to open the game up, however DLS hit back and at the long break the Diles lead by seven points.

The players were instructed to play one on one football across the ground, and with Andrew Wilson winding the clock back at full-forward were told to get the ball in long and quickly. Ryan Pedler and Tim Roache continued to put their head over the ball and were controlling the backline. Nick Aird played his best game for the year on the wing and was providing constant drive through the middle of the ground. Justin Arnold’s ball use going forward was making a key difference with our forwards beginning to find space and Tommy Fitzgerald was able to get a few goals on the board. De La kept themselves in the game with accurate kicking, however the Crocs were able to get a two goal lead and some valuable breathing space coming into the final quarter.

As expected the final quarter was tense battle with neither team ready to concede an inch. Both teams had their opportunities and went goal for goal for much the quarter. The Crocs were able to maintain their composure and wound down the clock at some crucial stages, Vice Captain Duncan Parry was awarded a free kick in the dying minutes, ate up some valuable time and went back and drove home the winning goal from 50m. Once again, up against some quality opposition the Diles were able to prevail in a tight, physical contest. It was pleasing to see the load spread across a number of players and with some real quality players to return in the coming weeks, big things are expected of this group. We now take on Old Melburnians, in what will no doubt be a finals preview. We have lot to prove to ourselves and the rest of the competition after two scrappy wins, it is now time for the Crocs to put a four quarter performance together and make sure we continue to take steps forward towards August.