GEMBROOK was already out of the finals race, which proved to be the difference between the sides at the weekend when Belgrave showed more desperation and will to get the ball.
On the heavy Belgrave ground conditions did not permit the Brookers to play their usual flowing game. Instead they were forced to play on Belgrave’s terms in a fourquarter slog.
Brad Charman, Jarrod Matthews, Brett Andrews and Shannon Richardson were able to keep the Brookers in the game in the first half and only a few goals separated the terms at the long break. But the Brookers were not able to keep up their intensity in the second half and Belgrave pulled away to what was a convincing victory.
The Gembrook back line of Mitch Hedger, Steve Robins, Ian Litterbach, Paul Sankey, Wayne Robertson and Max Croaker worked overtime to try and stem the flow of goals, however they were not able to shut down Belgrave’s supply to the forward line. In the end it was a disappointing fadeout by the Brookers.
The Brookers faced the daunting task of playing ladder leader and flag favourite Monbulk at home this week.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 7.11.53 lost to Belgrave 15.15.105.
Best: Brad Charman, Craig Clarke, Wayne Robertson, Mitch Hedger, Jarrod Matthews, Brett Andrews.
RESERVES
Gembrook was confident of performing well against the Magpies at Belgrave but the return of Jamie Wilkie and Daniel Pantorno did not prove to be the fillip the team needed. At the start Gembrook had only the bare 18 players, Mitch Evans, Phil Muratore and Todd Pye making the trip from Monbulk after their under18 game to create a bench that at least allowed the coaching staff to rotate a few players.
In extremely heavy conditions Belgrave did not allow the Brookers to get into the game. Except for brilliance exhibited by Jamie Wilkie, Cam Williams and Nathan Kruzicevic the Brookers did not challenge Belgrave, which came out a convincing winner.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 10.5.65 lost to Belgrave 18.12.120.
Best: Jamie Wilkie, Daniel Pantorno, Nathan Kruzicevic, Cam Williams.
UNDER 18
The Brookers started well against Monbulk. Todd Pye was dominant in the ruck allowing the Brookers first use of the ball, which they were able to capitalise on early.
But early form was not continued and in the second quarter with found another gear to take a lead at the half time break.
In the second half the Brookers again challenge Monbulk, Steve Hedger dominating around the ground and James Hampton roving well to provide good supply to the forward line. Grainger Hartridge in the unfamiliar role of centre halfforward was enjoying the freedom and providing a focal point for forward moves.
Inaccurate kicking by the Brookers cost them dearly, however they kept up their aggression at the ball to the end.
The team is looking forward to the last game this week, ready to give South Belgrave a contest.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 5.13.43 lost to Monbulk 12.9.81.
Best: Todd Pye, James Hampton, Grainger Hartridge, Mitchell Hedger, Will Davis.
