Apart from the five goal haul in the first quarter, it was a pretty lack-lustre performance by the Roos. They were lucky the Cats were not on target because with more scoring opportunities the Cats should have taken the chocolates in this one.

The final score was Yass 9-6-60 to Cats 6-13-49 but when you consider the Roos scored five of these goals in the first quarter the return for the rest of the match was not impressive. The ground was quite wet and slippery in parts despite the sunny conditions on the day. The Roos worked the ball well from the opening bounce while the Cats could not get the ball near their forward line. The quarter time score had Yass 5-2-32 to Cats 0-2-2 and seemed to indicate a one-sided easy win for Yass.

The second quarter was completely different, however. Yass struggled to gain or keep possession and the only thing keeping them in the game at half time was their impressive scrambling defence and the Cats poor return on the scoreboard. Yass 5-3-33 led the Cats 1-7-13 at half time.

The second half became a defensive battle for the Roos as the Cats began to get on top and create the loose man around the field. Too many uncontested marks by the Cats highlighted that Yass were too slow to defend in the turnovers. The Yass defensive team once again proved its value by holding out and harassing a stronger finishing Cats outfit to bring home the win.

Needless to say, in this one, defenders featured heavily in the best player list with Steve O’Brien, Ben Power, Tom Hanson, Jon Randles, Darren Pfeiffer, Matt Bosustow and Vaughn Winnel all contributing strongly. Goal scorers were Ben Power (3), Ben McCallum (2) and one each to Cam Attwell, Ben Serafin, Sam Campbell and Vaughn Winnel.

Only for and against percentage separates the top three teams on the ladder with the Roos in third. This year’s final six knockout format gives the top two teams the first week off so the goal is to finish top two at the end of the home and away season. ANU hold top spot while Ainslie are in third. Yass will play both these sides again and must be aiming for wins all the way from here.

This Saturday, the Roos will travel to Stirling Oval in Canberra for a 12pm match against the Molonglo Juggernauts. The wide open spaces of Stirling provide a fitness challenge for the Roos and Molonglo will make the most of its home ground and supporters. The Roos cannot afford to let this one slip away and need to establish their skills and game plan execution as they look to finals preparation. The coach will be looking for a very strong and disciplined performance from the team.

I will see you at the footy cheering on the Roos.

The Fox Terrier.