May 28, 2007
From Bendigo Advertiser
SIMON Rosa labelled the VFL's 119-point win over Western Australia at Port Melbourne on Saturday as one of the most satisfying days of his football career.
Rosa - the Metricon Bendigo Bombers captain - was among the VFL's best players in its 25.11 (161) to 5.12 (42) victory over WA.
SIMON Rosa labelled the VFL's 119-point win over Western Australia at Port Melbourne on Saturday as one of the most satisfying days of his football career.
Rosa - the Metricon Bendigo Bombers captain - was among the VFL's best players in its 25.11 (161) to 5.12 (42) victory over WA.
Jason Cloke, Rosa's team - at the Bombers, was also part of the VFL team that destroyed the Sandgropers.
"It was fantastic to get up and win," said Rosa, who finished the game with 26 possessions and seven tackles playing across half-back.
"Because we had only trained together for a week, everyone had to play their part and do their bit for the team so that when we see the guys down the track, we can look each other in the eye and know we did our part for our team-mates.
"That was a really big focus for the game, and everyone did their bit."
Rosa spent time on Daniel Haines and Hayden Ballantyne, as well as WA captain, and 2000 Brownlow medallist, Shane Woewodin.
"I played on Woewodin a bit later when the game was over, but the pressure our midfield was putting on their midfield was outstanding, so any kicks coming
into the back line were rushed," Rosa said.
"I felt quite comfortable with the guys around me, so it was a good day for everyone."
Rosa described the chance to represent the VFL as, at this stage of his career, second only to winning a premiership.
"Playing with my mates with the Bendigo Bombers is always good, but to come together with the 20-odd best players in the competition, and to win by that much is definitely right up there."
VFL coach Mark Williams was full of praise for the games of both Rosa and Cloke.
"Simon was outstanding and helped us set the game up in the first half," Williams said.
"His ability to read the play and attack through the corridor was fantastic, and his use of the ball was outstanding."
Also playing in defence, Cloke collected 21 possessions and laid seven tackles as he continued his fine season of football.
"Jason played nice and tight, which was good," Williams said.
"We had made it a focus before the game for our tall defenders to play really tight and be accountable, and he did that.
"Both Jason and Simon were very influential players in our backline."
The VFL season will resume for the Bombers this Sunday when they host the Coburg Tigers at the Queen Elizabeth Oval, in what will be their first game in Bendigo for the year.
