The match commenced with both teams on the attack, driving the ball into their scoring position with good timing of leads and passing. As Oakdale began to apply defensive pressure across all positions, they slowed Tango’s transition and occasionally had them having to reset in both the centre and attacking third. Oakdale’s effervescent goal attack Aaron Edmead became a strong focus in and around their goal circle with lightning like dodges, and space creating drives coupled with shooting accuracy. His creative flair was well supported by the legend, Steve McInnes at wing attack who was solid and steady with both positioning and ball, combining well with Tyson Gerrie at centre. Oakdale made great use of precision passing and angles around the goal circle to open up space for Jordan Goggins at shooter. This allowed them to take the lead out to five goals.
Tango steadied with Cameron Bennett supplying shooter Sam Chamberlain with scoring opportunities and brought tall goal attack Luke Humphris into the mix seeing the quarter finish goal for goal.
Quarter time scores were Oakdale 19 to Tango 14.
The second quarter opened with Edmead on fire, reading play with uncanny interceptions, creating scoring opportunities with his speed and scoring accuracy. Clearly acting on instructions from astute and experienced coach Trish Warren, Oakdale upped their defensive pressure which saw Tango occasionally struggle to find space on the court. Allan Heritage came onto goal defence for Tango and gave them much needed drive in transition.
Oakdale continued to fire in attack with well-timed leads and passes setting up more scoring opportunities. A tight quarter which Oakdale won by 3.
Half time scores were Oakdale 32 to Tango 24.
Tango started the third quarter with great timing of leads and successful transition to score. Oakdale responded with increased defensive pressure, particularly in the centre third setting up interception opportunities aided by Tango’s sometimes soft, slow, two-handed passes. Oakdale made a few positional changes, Adrian Ter Horst onto keeper and Lachlan Sboro to centre.
Sam Chamberlain continued to be a reliable and steady focus in Tango’s goal circle, well supported by Bennett at centre. As the quarter progressed, Ter Horsts pressure in Tango’s circle often caused the two goalies to stand, sometimes at the same spot resulting in turn overs.
Third quarter scores were Oakdale 46 to Tango 35.
Oakdale started the final quarter on a mission with a run of 5 unanswered goals before Andrew Jelonek, Tango’s goalkeeper challenged successfully and slowed them down. The play got a tad messy as both teams upped their defensive pressure leading to crowding of space and the lack of dodging and well-timed leads to create space.
Oakdale continued to maximise their full court defensive pressure forcing turn overs. Ter Horst at goalkeeper was having a strong impact and creating interceptions and taps to Oakdale’s advantage.
Tango’s Luke Humphris came off injured with Allan Heritage returning to the court. A strong last half of the quarter saw Oakdale win the quarter by 7. Tango showed that they are improving each week and one hopes that they’ll build in their continued learning and growth.
Final scores were Oakdale 61 to Tango 43.
Player of the Match was the irrepressible Aaron Edmead, Oakdale’s goal attack. Aaron’s game is marked by flair and unpredictability. His speed and scoring accuracy is amazing, matched by his uncanny reading of play and delightful creativity! Aaron got involved in netball through his mum as a youngster at The Gardens Rec Centre when he was just 12. At 15, he was asked to fill in for a social mixed team. However, Aaron’s heart lay in tennis which he played competitively for 7 years, earning him a state top 20 ranking in his age group.
Then looking for something different he joined a Saturday under 17 mixed team. From there he, at 19 trialled successfully for the SAMMNA Open Men's team in 2010 and was selected in the All Australian tournament team. 2016 saw him selected in the SAMMNA Open Men's team again, then 2017 the Men's Reserves for the Sydney nationals. He took a year off and went back to circuit racing, followed by the Covid break. and in 2022 when Adelaide hosted the nationals, Aaron represented in the Open Men's once again. He then coached the Men’s Reserves in 2023, and this year in Brisbane, as a player in the Men's Reserves.
He was selected in the All Australian tournament team for 2024. Again Aaron will feature in the Men’s Reserves at the Nationals in Melbourne in 2025.
Aaron is a player with a long and rich involvement in men’s netball and his flair and creativity have garnered him much respect and, as a result he certainly is a fine role model for any young up and coming male netballer.
