Knowing that the Powers had really taken it up to the Goannas in the semi-finals late last year, the Redbacks were prepared for a tight tussle in their JAFL round 2 clash. In the first quarter, that assessment proved very accurate with the ball moving freely between half forward lines. Both defenses were dominating, however, so the ball rarely threatened the goal at either end. At the first change, the Redbacks held a slender 6 point lead.
After a big rev-up at quarter time in which several players were singled out for being too soft, the Redbacks came out with far more intensity in the second term. Playing a brand of football that hadn't been seen for quite some time, the red and black army cracked the game open. The engine room of Dillon, McKay, and Dowey started to dominate the clearances, while the solid backline of Luscombe and Osboldstone repelled any semblance of a Powers attack. Adrian English was brilliant on the wing, and Dan Jenkins and Ben Abraham combined for 6 second-quarter goals.
Phillip Rwankole, out for only his second game of Aussie rules, showed tremendous attack on the ball, excellent tackling, and silky evasive skills to continually frustrate the opposition, while Banger Williams earned his black belt in shepherding with some fine bumps that often freed his teammates to run. In an explosive 8-goal quarter, the Redbacks almost put the game beyond doubt, taking a substantial 45 point lead into the main break.
With the Hawks' round 1 comeback fresh in their minds, the Redbacks were urged not to let their fitter opponents back into the game in the second half. Keeping the pressure on from the opening bounce of the third quarter, the Redbacks' midfielders continued to dominate the clearances. Ashley James popped into the forward line and found himself in space on several occasions, but unfortunately for him, he was unable to add to his goalkicking tally. Jenkins, Dillon, and English, on the other hand, were finding the big sticks with ease. Jenkins' marking was a standout for the Redbacks, as was the Daicos-like ability of English. One particular snap by English from deep in the pocket will have to be a nomination for goal of the year. In other positive signs for the Redbacks, Ben Dillon continued to find himself in the right position (30cm from the goal line) to snag majors, while McKay and Luscombe continued to supply the football lace-out to the forwards.
It was a great tune-up for the upcoming clash with the defending champions, as the Redbacks amassed their first ever 20 goal total in the JAFL. The final scores were:
Nagoya 20. 15 - 135 (Jenkins 7, English 5, Dillon 4,
Dowey 2, Abraham 2)
Senshu 6. 8 - 44 (Komura 4, Honda 1, Ono 1)
