Hoppers continue on winning ways for second preseason trial

The Hoppers continued its 2017 preparations with a second trial match for the preseason, this time traveling to Maher Oval to take on a rejuvenated Turvey Park Bulldogs thanks to its many off-season signings. Two games were scheduled with respective A and B squads taking part.

In the first game the Hoppers ‘A’ squad displayed a mix of great support play, run and carry, tackle pressure and overall good teamwork for the bulk of the first three quarters, racking up almost 80 handballs in the process, before putting the cue in the rack in the final term and eventually running out four goal winners against a spirited opposition. While the game was a solid hit out for the team, it was also a good reminder that plenty of hard work needs to be done before the next trial next weekend and the season bounce in three weeks time. There were no clear standouts from the Hoppers in a well rounded team effort, though we can make a special mention of Steve Senior’s super endurance efforts on the wing and the two young blokes in Ryan Allen and Liam Delahunty whose enthusiasm for the footy all game was infectious.

Coolamon Hoppers 10.9.69 defeated Turvey Park Bulldogs 6.7.43

Goals: Jamie Maddox (2), Liam Delahunty (2), Sam Glyde, Ben Gregory, Luke Redfern, Benson Ocheing, Ben Fixter, Steve Senior.

In the second game the Hoppers ‘B’ squad was a first hit out for the season for many players and the first time many of them had played together as well (a few new players and a few U17s). While the game was not a goal scoring blitz, it was a good first hit out for the players to start developing combinations and get some game day fitness under them. Unfortunately the game was called off early in the third term, with Turvey Park up by a couple of kicks, when one of the younger Hopper players went down with heavy concussion. An ambulance was called but thankfully he was released from hospital late in the evening and should be all ok following a decent lay off to recover.

The next – and final – trial for the 2017 preseason will be next Saturday 8 April at Kindra Park where the opponents will be the Queanbeyan Tigers from the Canberra League. After the touch up the Tigers gave the Hoppers a year ago in Queanbeyan the players are under no illusions about how tough this game will be and a solid week on the training paddock is in order. Final details of the game will be posted later in the week.