Match Reports
Under 12s
Justin Iaria
Major improvement from the last round against Eastern Lions. With short numbers the kids knew they had to work hard to make up for it and they did a good job of it through both matches. Our main task of the day was to be strong in retaining possession of the ball and it worked wonders. By forcing both teams to play the long ball down the field our defenders were able to win back possession and then begin the next attack forward.
For 75% of the first game we were able to keep the opposition at 0-0 but a few defensive spills allowed them to break through and they made sure that they took those few opportunities well and took advantage of our mistakes.
The second game was also a great effort from the team as tired legs and poor conditions came into play. A poor first half was quickly forgotten after an exceptional second half where we were able to move the ball into the final third with some great passage of play down the left and right sides which then led to goal.
Thank you to the boys who played out of their usual and more favourable positions and just gave it their best wherever they were placed on the pitch. A great effort from everyone in the squad and I’m sure the parents were pleased with the way the kids played after a long car trip
Under 13s
Stuart Bethall
With players away, ill and injured for the whole week our training and game would be slightly disrupted. On both Wednesday and Friday we joined up with Under 14’s for training. Firstly, a mixed practice match where we gave the teams special instructions to help improve ball movement and switching play. Friday was a little more fun. Team building games for both groups to provide togetherness and camaraderie.
Even though we knew we had players unavailable for the game, we still weren’t expecting to be short on match-day. At the last minute we scrounged a keen young player who was willing to step in for us. Unfortunately, this didn’t quite work out as an injury kept us to 10 men for most of the first half. We defended extremely well without creating any chances for ourselves as the numerical advantage for the opposition was hard to overcome. With the wind also going against us, a nil-nil half time score was very positive.
We were back to a full team for the second half, even though we had an injured player who could barely walk on the pitch. We improved our game play and it was hard to pick a winner based on the even play. After missing a simple chance and then having a controversial offside goal disallowed, Eastern Lions scored with a hopeful pot shot from outside the area. Nearly straight away we equalised with a cool finish past the keeper. Before we knew it we were ahead. Two consecutive corners with the second going straight in. Holding out for the last few minutes to claim this excellent result. Against all odds we had succeeded.
Thanks to the two players who stepped in to help out. Well done team!
Under 14s
Shaban Mehmet
 Fun week of training this week focusing on team work & team bonding.
This game vs Eastern Lions was one of our best defensive efforts all season. From the back 4 to the front 3 we delayed, denied, dictated and disturbed all game. Fantastic effort.
In our attacking phase we were a little rushed and plays broke down because of it.
Well done all, thank you to Gerang & Tutu for stepping up and helping out.
Under 15s
Paul Nieuwenhuizen
 This week saw the Suns travel down the highway to take on the Eastern Lions.
During the week at training we played an intra club practice game and worked on crossing the ball into the penalty area from wide positions.
Going into the game I focused on the 5c’s (commitment, confidence, communication, control & coordination), and put the players in charge of the team tasks.
We began the game well, looking to move the ball forward, however, when we lost the ball we were slow to transition from attack to defence. This meant we were left exposed at the back on several occasions and we soon conceded a goal 15 minutes in. The score line at this stage could have been greater but for some desperate defending and goalkeeping. The players took a while to identify the problem but once the problem was fixed we could apply pressure on the Eastern Lions defence and were rewarded with a poacher’s goal.
The second half saw us continue putting pressure and the players starting to back their own instincts when playing the ball. This was highlighted by Daniel backing himself and setting up several attacks down our right wing. We found ourselves in front from a counter attacking move that was started after winning the ball back in the midfield. However, we were unable to hang on for the victory when the Eastern Lions were awarded a rather contentious equalising goal. We continued to push forward but without reward.
On reflection, the 2 all draw was a good result. The positive from the game was that the team could identify the football problem and provide a solution.
A big thanks to James who was playing is 3rd full game in goals for the day and stepped up to the challenge.
Under 16s
Tommy Giuliani
 Sunday's trip to Eastern Lions must prove to be a line in the sand for these Suns players. They need to turn the page.Our pre game focus was on basic principles of "Shape" in and out of possesion,notably being compact in BPO,essentially 4-5-1. Unfortunately these boys either didn't listen or need to switch on. Defensively we were a shambles and I expect much better. Players need to concentrate on their player and team tasks.
I can't fault the effort though, there's plenty of talent but they must commit to being coachable. If they embrace the feedback, not only on what they do very well but where we must improve, the quality of their football will go through the roof.
There were some really nice patches of possession in the second half, a lovely goal and some fantastic diagonal passes to our wingers, all positive signs of what we will achieve for the rest of the year. There will be some high end talent come back into this group once the 20s finish. This will help our performance as a team but I remain committed to every single player's development. They should all aspire to play 20s and beyond.....
I can't wait to get stuck in with the boys this week at training, we'll work hard and belt our opposition Sunday.??⚽️
Under 18s
Glen Wilson
 During the week we had an intra-club match on Wednesday and on Friday we worked on retaining and recycling the ball.
Pre-game we spoke about working as a unit and keeping compact in defence and counter attacking when the opportunity arose. In line with this I set some team tasks (50/50’s, balls in the box, yo-yo’s & Set Plays).
With 50/50’s the aim is to ensure we go hard (but fair) at the ball when it is in dispute, do not shirk any contest = we did this exceptionally well = TICK
Balls in the box simply means we need to threaten their goal by getting our share of ball in the dangerous areas = with luck we could’ve scored 3 or 4, we certainly did this = TICK
Yo-yo’s simply means we need to transition quickly from BP to BPO back to BP and so on……”if you can’t run back, don’t run forward” = the hard running work ethic was fantastic = TICK
With Set Plays, the aim is to ensure everyone has a job to do and they know what is expected when the opposition have a free kick or corner = we did concede 2 from set plays = CROSS
It was a cold wintery day and we were on a pitch that was certainly not in great shape – makes us all realise how lucky we now are!
Our game was quite evenly matched, but to be fair to the Lions they certainly had the better of the first half and we unfortunately gave them too many corners and free kicks in dangerous areas ……the 2 players they used to take these were getting quite a lot of “whip” on the ball. For the most part we repelled them well, but we did concede twice from set plays in the first half to go in 2 nil down at the break – the 1st was an unmarked free header at the near post and the 2nd should’ve been cleared at the back post, but it was bundled over the line. During the first half we had quite a few chances and with a bit of luck we could have easily had a couple of our own.
At the break we re-grouped and tried to focus on the positives and continue to push forward when we get our chance…….the lads could see that the game was still within our grasp – we just had to work harder and take those chances.
On the resumption of play we did start more positively and went forward to apply pressure……this was working well for some time…… unfortunately after a while this cost us, as we got caught out at the back and conceded a 3rd………my worry here was that this could mean we drop our heads and just roll over and suffer a massive loss – but to the credit of the lads, they continued to work hard and certainly had the better of them and we did manage a goal from an unlikely source (Lucas Enders – our regular goalkeeper out with an injured finger)……we had further chances including a 1 on 1 with their keeper which was missed just wide of the post…….we were by far the better team in the 2nd half, just not quite clinical up front to put the ball in the net = perhaps next time!
The end result a 3 – 1 loss.
Fair to say that having the 3 fresh u/20’s play with us certainly helped keep things together (thanks Maquach, Zac & Harun). Also thanks again to Logan for standing in goals, Ferg for a solid 90mins at Centre Back as well as Kaine, Bowdie, Vinnie & Lucas who gave short sharp stints in those physically draining left and right wings directly after coming off their 16’s match.
Codes of Conduct for everyone
We want GV Suns to be a friendly and welcoming club - and we want everyone to feel comfortable being a part of our family. Our FFV approved codes of conduct for spectators, players, parents, coaches and administrators are available from our website.
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The Australian Football Skool tournament will return to Shepparton this year starting with twilight games on Friday 27 October and concluding Sunday 29 October. 
