Doc’s Debrief | Round 4

The Bays secured a win in Saturday’s ANZAC Day Grand Final rematch against the Double Blues, and Doc is here to run you through how they’ll take a 4–0 streak into this weekend’s clash with the Panthers.

Breaking their losing streak at Unley, the Bays defeated the Double Blues by 17 points in a high-energy encounter. What was shaping as a blockbuster match delivered from the outset, with the Tigers striking in the opening minute thanks to a goal from premiership forward Luke Partington just 51 seconds into the game.

Doc believes Saturday’s performance was among the team’s best so far this season.

“I thought it was probably as well as we played throughout the season. They (Sturt) had a couple players out, some of their stars, but in the end we’re really pleased (with the result).”

After narrow wins over the Redlegs in Round 2 and the Bloods in Round 3, the Bays were determined to bring their strong finishing form into the opening quarter.

“The last two weeks, obviously, we’ve sort of been a little bit fortunate to come over the top in the last quarter, so I think there was certainly a resolve amongst the group to try and start the game in a stronger fashion. They certainly trained really strongly last week, and they were able to execute early in the game, which was really pleasing,” Doc said.

The Round 4 ANZAC Day clash also marked a milestone for Hugh Stagg, who played his 50th league match for the club, alongside debutant Travis Wilson.

“It’s great to have so many debutants in the first month of the season,” said Doc during Monday’s Doc’s Debrief, commending the early-season inclusions for their immediate impact.

Despite controlling key areas of the game, including inside 50s and clearances, the Bays’ scoring accuracy dipped to 41% (11 goals, 16 behinds).

“We’re always trying to get a little bit better in all areas, some of our execution into the forward line can lift, and we’re a little bit inaccurate on the weekend,” said Doc.

With a focus on goal-kicking heading into the week, Doc also highlighted the link between strong preparation and performance, pointing to Bob Quinn medallist Lachie Hosie.

“He (Hosie) had a little bit of discomfort in his foot, so it was really impressive that he got through and was able to play an outstanding game,”

“What I’ve been impressed about overall is that he trains really at that level, so it’s no surprise that he performs on the weekend, he prepares really well.”

The Bays return home to Stratarama Stadium this weekend to face South Adelaide, who are coming off a win against the Dogs.

“South Adelaide played really well on the weekend and it was even up until late in the third quarter, then they got a surge on. We’re going to have to be at our absolute best.”

“On the weekend, it was the first time we’ve played close to four quarters of footy. The challenge every week is to front up again and try and replicate that.”

“The season overall is really even if you look across the league, lots of teams are in really good form, so it should be a great weekend.”