The Ménages unbeaten record and fast growing reputation in this competition is certainly making us a target for opposition teams, who seek to test their mettle against us each week. Round 5 against a fired up St Bedes Mentone Tigers was no exception.
With another 8 changes to the side this week, it was again a test of the adaptability of the group. The team also needed to adapt to a sub standard playing surface and facilities at the Southern Road Oval and for the first quarter we looked distracted and not focused on getting the best out of ourselves or complying with the team structures.
Neither side was able to gain the ascendancy early but the Ménages managed to lead 1-6 to 1-2 at quarter time. James Ulbrick continued his good form of last week in the ruck, with Daniel Molan and Nick Drago both showing some class in and under all day.
The second quarter saw the Ménages adapt better to the conditions as they began to find some space and run, and produced their best quarter of football for the day - kicking 6-2. A disappointing and undisciplined act in defence late in the quarter, however, resulted in a 2 goal penalty to the opposition and handed them the momentum going into the break.
The Ménages needed someone to stand up during the day and this role was welcomed by Josh Hanger, who from a wing was outstanding with both his pace and poise. He managed to snag two great goals in the second quarter and knocked up getting kicks at will. By the days end, he had an impressive 6 goals in what was clearly a best on ground performance.
In the third term, Dan Meehan staked his claim for goal of the year with a 30 metre left foot snap from the boundary line after baulking his opponent on the mark. Sam Adams, playing his first game for the season, showed some touch and with his finishing skills produced a couple from long range.
The last quarter consolidated what was a solid team performance for the day. Matt Romanin was again damaging with another four quarter effort, James Morton showed his versatility is of great value to this team, whilst Jack Sleeman and Johnno Meehan are building the core of a formidable and very reliable defence.
Next week presents us, with what looks on paper, to be our biggest challenge of the season - a top of the table clash against second placed Uni Blues.
Whilst we have played some very good quarters so far this season and have been consistent in our effort in every match, we have yet to put together a four quarter performance and, against a quality opposition, anything less next week could see us vulnerable.