The Phil Scott Colts have made the perfect start to their 2024 premiership defense, making it four wins from as many games to begin the season. Hear from head coach as the University A Colts made the trip south to Morris Buzzacott Reserve to take on the only other undefeated side in the competition.
On a slightly wet and windy day, the game began as a tough slog with stoppages appearing frequently throughout the first quarter. It was CBC drawing first blood with a classy snap from the pocket, followed quickly by a University goal from Sonny Arangio to level the game at a goal apiece. An extended period of dominance throughout the first quarter couldn’t be capitalised upon by Uni and they paid the price with CBC transitioning the ball from end to end in emphatic fashion, finishing the play with another classy snap from the boundary. The wind helping the home side kick themselves to a slim 8-point buffer at the first change.
The second term was all University. The ball lived in their front half but once again, their inability to put the ball through the big sticks proved costly, with CBC transitioning the ball quickly from a kick-out, to a goal at their end. Uni responded well with two in a row of their own, Arangio kicking his second for the match, and Ghiselli who has kept up his strong run of form in front of goals. The main break saw University up an even slimmer 2-point buffer.
The third quarter, the premiership quarter. Time to step it up. It’s no wonder the away side came out with a full head of steam, head coach Morcombe’s half time speech featured an incredible display of linguistic intelligence, accompanied with an equally impressive use of varying tone. This motivational prowess enthused the players to no end, causing them to erupt into dazzling displays of physical strength and footballing nous. Another brilliant effort from Arangio saw him put through his third major of the game, ballooning his tally of goals for the year to nine from just four games. An astonishing, and frankly incomprehensible use of leg speed and mental determination from Taskunas saw him awarded a free-kick which he duly put through for University’s fifth sixth-pointer of the match. A stretch of complete dominance extending the away sides buffer to 14-points at the end of the third.
The final quarter was a terrifically tight tussle. CBC managed to trim the margin to just 8-points at the beginning of the last with a very well executed stoppage goal. However, after this short burst of adrenaline, the fuel in their flame ran out. University flexed their muscles and reminded the home team, that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. A goal from Taskunas after another inconceivable exhibit of hasty defensive pressure led to him kicking his second goal of the game, putting to bed any thought of a comeback from CBC. University dominated the final ten minutes of play and seemed content on kicking points rather than goals to round out the game. A very hard-fought affair that ended with University beating CBC by a margin of 17-points.
Best Players
Matthew Turkich reminded everyone why he is the best ruck in the Phil Scott Colts competition. A perfect concoction of strength and power lends him the tools to being both a great jump, and wrestle ruck. His dominance in the ruck through both hit outs and individual clearances gave University the edge in what was quite a physically demanding game.
Jed Hewitt is fast becoming one of the best lock down backs in the competition. His ability to play on both taller, and smaller forwards grants him the power to basically do whatever he wants. Whether its playing off his opponent and taking intercept marks, or manhandling his opponent and executing a spoil, Hewitt is an absolute beast in the University back six. His efforts against a strong CBC forward outfit garnered him significant praise from both coaches and his fellow players alike.
Kiya Jellay counts his own touches. And as you can imagine, when he is struggling to find the footy, he can become a little preoccupied by his own thoughts. During his game against CBC however, the little man on Kiya’s shoulder was seemingly absent. He shut out the doubt and played his best game of the year. Taking numerous contested intercept marks and biting off kicks into the corridor at will, the Kiya Jellay of late 2024 was back in a big way. If it wasn’t for a ‘dance off’ loss in the rooms post- game, he would have been crowned the ‘Players player’. Astonishing on the field Jellay, some work to do off the field.
University defeated Fremantle CBC 6.11.47 to 4.6.30
Goal Kickers
3. S Arangio 2. J Taskunas 1. M Ghiselli
Best Players
M. Turkich, J. Hewitt, K. Jellay, S. Arangio, C. Gresele, M. Ghiselli, H. Burbury