Mixed day for Rovers juniors at home

Rovers trailed by just four points at quarter time, 1.2 (8) to 2.0 (12), with Ben Hayes slotting the opening goal for the home team.

Strathmerton began to edge ahead in the second quarter, capitalising on a few Rovers turnovers to stretch the margin to 13 points at the main break.

Rovers’ effort remained high, but they struggled to find clear paths to goal.

The game opened up in the third term, with Strathmerton piling on five unanswered goals to take firm control.

The Rovers battled hard around the contest, but lapses in defence allowed the visitors to make the most of their forward entries.

Ethan Connolly added Rovers’ second goal of the day, but it wasn’t enough to spark a late revival.

Despite their best efforts in the final quarter, the Rovers went down 2.7 (19) to 8.10 (58).

Sam Conallin led from the front with another consistent display, while Ben Hayes worked hard at both ends.

Jesse Jervis and Dannon Leetham brought strong pressure around the stoppages, and Jobe Unwin and Spencer Cowley both impressed with their work rate and effort across the ground.

The Rovers will look to bounce back with a renewed focus on four-quarter consistency as they approach the final rounds of the season.

Final score: Deni Rovers 2.7 (19) def by Strathmerton 8.10 (58).

Goals: Ben Hayes, Ethan Connolly

Best players: Sam Conallin, Ben Hayes, Jesse Jervis, Dannon Leetham, Jobe Unwin, Spencer Cowley.

Awards: Ben Hayes, Sam Conallin, Spencer Cowley, Xander Strong, Callan Glenn, Jesse Jervis, Noah Dunn, Dannon Leetham.

Fourths

The Rovers hosted Strathmerton in what was expected to be a tight contest between two top-eight sides.

The home side started strongly, kicking 2.4 to nil in the opening quarter.

This early dominance was built on the back of a solid defensive effort from Sam Strong, Reece King, and Carter Sartore, who continually repelled Strathmerton’s advances.

Strathmerton responded in the second quarter, restricting the Rovers to just a single point while adding a goal of their own.

Despite the low-scoring term, the Rovers maintained a 10-point lead heading into halftime, with the game still very much in the balance.

The second half saw the Rovers take control, booting four unanswered goals to break the game open.

Ruckman Haydn Sampson led the charge, giving his midfielders first use and dominating the contest.

Michael Benger, Ged O’Donnell, Jed Fitzmaurice, and Callan Leiper were all prolific around the ground, driving the team forward.

In the end, it was a strong all-round performance from the Rovers, who ran out 34-point winners and further cemented their place in the top half of the ladder.

Final score: Deni Rovers 6.5 (41) def Strathmerton 1.1 (7).

Goals: Taj McCully 2, Michael Benger, Cormick Hardman, Jobe Unwin, Ged O'Donnell.

Best players: Sam Strong, Haydn Sampson, Reece King, Carter Sartore, Michael Benger, Jed Fitzmaurice.

Awards: Sam Strong, Jett Boyer, Henry Campion, Lucas Braybon, Reece King, Beau Jervis, Callan Leiper and Braxton Leetham.

Fifths

With the sun shining and Rovers playing host, the boys and girls had a fantastic time out on the field.

The young Rovers did well holding their positions on our freshly lined ground, showing great effort and enthusiasm.

Ollie Walker continued his strong season, kicking his fourth goal, while Charlie Druitt laid a solid tackle.

There were glimpses of great teamwork on display, particularly a brilliant passage of play where the ball was worked skilfully along the wing with a series of handballs before being finished off with a goal.

With a bye this week, the team gets a well-earned break from training before gearing up to take on Katunga.

Awards: Jack Priest, Mac Leiper, Ollie Barling, Bertie Landale, Leo Herberte, Cruz Sartore, Knox Sartore, Ryder Boyer, Jye Benger.