Today’s game was a real mixed bag, but there’s plenty to be proud of and even more to build on. We came out firing — matched Melbourne up front, held our ground, and you could see the lads were loving the physical battle early on. That kind of energy is exactly what we want to bottle and bring every week.
They got the first score, but we didn’t back down. Even when they added another, the fight didn’t leave us — and that resilience matters. Yes, heads dipped for a moment, and Melbourne capitalised, but that’s part of the learning curve. We’re growing stronger with every game, and today showed us where we need to tighten up mentally when the pressure’s on.
The ref had a tough day — no denying that — but he was just 15 and stepping into the role for the first time. Fair play to him for giving it a go. Hopefully that’s our quota of dodgy decisions done for the season!
We made some big changes in the second half, and while the reshuffle didn’t quite click today, it gave us valuable insight into where we can sharpen up. That’s the beauty of having a deep squad — we’ve got serious competition for shirts now, and that’s driving standards up across the board. Expect more experimenting in the coming weeks as we lock in our strongest combinations.
Special shoutout to Tommy — stepped into new roles, made some cracking tackles, and showed real grit when Melbourne tried to stretch us. That’s the kind of versatility and commitment we need.
Despite the result, I’m feeling genuinely optimistic. The vibe around the team has shifted — the negativity’s gone, and there’s a buzz again. We’re still in the hunt for the NLD, and if we bring the same intensity we showed last week, we’ll be right in the mix.
Next up: East Retford at home. Let’s make it count. See you all Tuesday — bring the energy, bring the hunger.