Despite TAC Cup results not falling their way, the Calder Cannons continue to show encouraging signs with an eye to the future.
Missing several of their top players due to injuries and Vic Metro and VFL commitments, the Cannons were able to stay with a classy Queensland side for three quarters on Saturday.
Up against it in the last quarter as the Scorpions kicked with the wind, the Cannons lost 13.8 (86) – 8.11 (59).
Cannons coach Andrew Johnston said he thought his side played really well in the first.
“We didn’t get reward for effort in the first quarter,” he said. “We needed to get some scoreboard pressure in terms of goals.
“They were able to get back into the game in the second quarter.
“In the third quarter, they played the way we needed to play in the last quarter. They were composed and hit their targets and were able to get us on the rebound. In the last quarter, we were pushing up hill with them kicking to the wind.”
Johnston said one of the consequences of fielding a young and inexperienced side at this level was that the skills weren’t necessarily as good as those of the opposition.
“We know at the moment we tend to fumble a little bit,” he said.
“You need to be cleaner at this level, you need to be composed, you have to have smart footballers.
“Our guys are still learning that. We were shown up in some of those areas, [but] I will never question their effort.”
Johnston said some of the younger players were showing they would be in contention to stay on the list next season.
“Some of the 17-years-olds who have come in over the last month have been really, really good,” he said.
“[Jackson] McDonald came in this week and struggled a bit but will be better for it. [Lachlan] Bramble was good last week and was OK today.
“Jack Reaper has been good. His opponent kicked one or two goals and it was the same last week.
“Unfortunately, Jaidyn Owen, his second game for the year, went down with a shoulder. He should be good and hopefully he comes back.”
He said the likes of Ryan Baker, Bramble and Callum Moorfield had two games under their belts and were hopefully getting to grips with “what it takes”.
Tara Murray
