Calder Cannons’ inability to stop a run-on has again been the downfall of the TAC Cup side, this time against Geelong Falcons.
The Cannons had the best of the game in the first 15 minutes but did not take advantage before the Falcons kicked into gear.
The Falcons lead by 30 points at quarter-time and were never headed in winning 13.12 (90) – 4.12 (36)
Cannons coach Andrew Johnston said that once an opponent started a roll his side struggled to stop it.
“We lost momentum and they gained a lot of confidence and ran over the top,” he said.
“We need to play one-on-one football. Too many guys are not doing it.
“We need to work harder on the spread. I don’t think it’s a fitness thing. It’s a willingness to do it for longer.”
Ovie Magbegor, in his first competitive game in more than six months, was a real positive for the Cannons.
“Hisham Kerbatieh was a real focal point down forward and he’s getting better with his defence, while Tyson Lever was really good,” Johnston said. “Not too many other positives.”
It was an emotional week for the Cannons, with the death of legendary trainer Phil Dunk.
He died suddenly on May 2 after spending the day at the Cannon’s game.
Talent manager Ian Kyte said everyone at the Cannons and many people across the TAC Cup loved Dunk.
He was a trainer at the Western Jets before joining the Cannons when they were formed.
“He has been a stalwart of the club and has been here right from the start,” Kyte said. “Even when he moved to Ballarat he still came down.
“He had a cult following and nobody would walk past him without acknowledging him and saying something.”
Dunk was one of the inaugural inductees into the Cannons Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“We’re grateful we were able to honour him while he was alive,” Kyte said.
Tara Murray
