A second-half fade-out cost the Calder Cannons in a TAC Cup clash with the
Rebels on Saturday afternoon.
Playing for the first time in three weeks, the Cannons were in the game at half-time but scored only three goals in the second half to lose 17.12 (114) to 8.6 (54).
Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte said the Rebels were stronger at the ball and his side was made to pay for it.
“They played harder football and converted well early in the third quarter to take control of the game,” Kyte said.
“They are a really good side. They have two or three players who could be first-round [AFL] draft picks.
“Our midfield didn’t play well … our accountability around the ball let us down.”
The experienced group of Jack James, Ben Allan, Matthew Stillman and Mitch Conn were the best for the Cannons.
Gisborne’s Jack Reaper, in his Cannons debut, was also impressive.
Karl Brown kicked three goals.
Kyte said the fact the team hadn’t played together for three weeks might have had an impact.
“Players at this age need week-in, week-out football to get that consistency,” he said.
The Cannons endured injury worries early in the season but Kyte said only two players were now on the injury list.
James Peters is out for the season with an ankle injury. Callum Moore is still two or three weeks from returning after a broken wrist.
An Anzac Day service was held at RAMS arena before the game. The Cannons and Rebels, along with the Geelong Falcons and Bendigo Pioneers who played at the ground earlier in the day, paying their respects.
The Northern Knights lost 14.8 (92) – 9.11 (65) to Gippsland Power.
The Power kicked six goals to two in the first quarter to set up the victory.
The Knights closed to within two goals in the third quarter but couldn’t stay with the Power in the last.
Bailey Jordan kicked three goals for the Knights, while captain Jade Gresham was again a standout.
