Match of the Round Report: Bushrangers Rebels vs Bushrangers Outlaws

Rebels and Outlaws players contest the ruck - Photo: Ben Neely

 

AFL Central West Men’s Tier 2, Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels 12.5-77 defeat Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws 8.2-50

 

The Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels have taken victory over the Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws in their first Bushrangers’ derby of 2021. Both the Rebels and Outlaws played some great entertaining footy, but the Rebels were just too strong on the day, defeating the Outlaws by 27 points at George Park. The match was also the 350th game for Bushrangers legend John Ellis.

 

Goal Kickers

Rebels: J. Nugent 3, H. Alexander 2, R. Belmonte 2, D. Patching 2, J. Masclet, M. Chapman, A. Powell

Outlaws: A. Malicanin 4, T. Smith, J. Griffey, A. Knox, L. McFadyen

 

Match Summary

Quarter 1 – Rebels 3.2-20 lead Outlaws 2.1-13

The Rebels started the game in control, as the team looked comfortable moving the ball around the ground. Early in the quarter, Jake-Taylor Nugent kicked the first goal of the game for the Rebels, which was soon followed by another two for the hosts. Despite the strong start from the Rebels, the Outlaws weren’t backing down, and soon had their first attacking opportunity of the game. The Outlaws were pressuring the Rebels but Tom Regan defended well, preventing attacking opportunities for the Outlaws. Despite great defence from the Rebels backline, the Outlaws managed to kick their first goal through Aleksandar Malicanin. The Outlaws were then able to kick their second, this time through John Griffey moments before the siren sounded.

Quarter 2 – Rebels 6.2-38 lead Outlaws 3.1-19

The Outlaws came out of the huddle strong, as the side kicked a goal early in the quarter to put themselves in the contest. The Rebels soon cranked up the pressure though, and began to create multiple attacking chances. The Outlaws were defending well and Samuel Schafer was doing everything he could to disrupt the Rebels, who finally broke through as Jake-Taylor Nugent kicked his second for the day. The Rebels soon after kicked another goal, extending their lead. The home side continued to attack, pressuring the Outlaws defence heavily towards the end of the quarter, but the Outlaws were fighting hard, determined not to give up a goal before halftime. The Rebels proved too strong however, as Reece Belmonte kicked a goal to extend their lead to 19 points.

Quarter 3 – Rebels 7.4-46 lead Outlaws 4.1-25

The Rebels caught the Outlaws out as the quarter started, getting a shot at goal within 90 seconds. Despite the early lapse in defence, the Outlaws showed signs of fighting back and in his 350th game, John Ellis was outstanding, attacking the footy strongly. Soon after, the Outlaws had an attacking opportunity, but the Rebels defence proved too tough to crack. Eventually the Outlaws managed to convert one of their chances, as Aleksandar Malicanin sliced through two Rebels defenders and kicked a goal. The Rebels soon got their chance, and despite some great defensive moments from the Outlaws, were able to kick a goal to extend their lead. Anthony Fisher was in the thick of it for the Outlaws, breaking up passes from the Rebels to gain possession.

Quarter 4 Rebels 12.5-77 defeat Outlaws 8.2-50

The fourth quarter saw the game open right up, with both sides looking to move the footy freely. The Outlaws started the quarter in control, kicking the opening goal. However, fatigue started to creep in for the Outlaws defence, and they soon began to turn the ball over, giving the Rebels multiple chances at goal. Reece Belmonte was doing everything he could to create opportunities for the Rebels, which frustrated the Outlaws defence, and the hosts were able to extend their lead. The Rebels were able to give their side some breathing space, and despite a late fight back from the Outlaws towards the end of the game, the Rebels were able to hang on, defeating their clubmates by 27 points and improving their start to 3-1.

 

 

John Ellis Post Game Comments:

How are you feeling after that performance?

Ellis – (Laughs) “Alright, not too bad.”

 

Thoughts on playing your 350th game?

Ellis – “It’s been a long journey, I started in about 1990/1989.”

 

How ideal is it that you can play this against your own club mates?

Ellis – “It was great, really something special to be honest.”

 

 

Coaches Comments:

On the Game:

Rebels (Damian De Montemas) – “I thought it was a good hit-out from both teams. I thought the Rebels played some beautiful footy when they took their time and there was moments that was fantastic to watch.”

Outlaws (Anthony Fisher) – “I thought it was a really good contest. It was hard fought, both teams played with really good spirit. I thought our boys gave it a really good crack.”

 

On what was said at halftime:

Rebels – “Just to try and play with a bit more intensity. I thought we looked like we were asleep actually (laughs). When your playing your own club, its hard to get up. So really just to play with a bit more intensity and try and see if we can get as many goal on the board as we can.”

Outlaws – “So we were down by a little bit at half time. So we just said that we got to keep sticking at it, make sure we hit our targets. We were sometimes not composed, some of our guys are inexperienced so we just said if you take the mark, go back and have a look. Some of them tried to play on or just rushed a little bit. We also praised our defence.”

 

Thoughts on the opposition:

Rebels – “I thought they played some really good footy.  There are some great players in the Outlaws. It was a good contest for most of the game.”

Outlaws – “The Rebels played really well, they are a quality side. I think they will play finals. They are one of the top 3 sides in the competition.”

 

On improvements for next game:

Rebels – “We just need to keep improving on the same things we need to improve on the whole time.  Just taking our time and executing our kicks well and all the basics really.”

Outlaws – “Mainly just teaching the new fellas just about composure and hitting our targets. Just those really basic skills.”

 

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