An A for attitude
Neil Cordy
The Daily Telegraph, May 14
PAUL Roos believes Sydney’s overnight sensation Ben Ronke will have no problem handling the extra attention created by his sensational seven-goal performance in last Friday night’s win over Hawthorn.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon is sure to put the microscope on the 20-year-old match-winner ahead of Saturday night’s clash with the Dockers at the SCG.
But Roos said Ronke’s approach to his footy was spot on.
“I loved Ben’s attitude after the game,” Roos said.
“You could tell he was just a kid who was aware of the moment but equally he knew it wasn’t going to happen every week.
“He talked about tackling, chasing and putting pressure on. He’s got a really good understanding of the Swans’ system and what he needs to do. He knows next week things are going to be different and if he does what the coach asks him to do he’ll be fine.”
Rookie Swans Ben Ronke kicks seven majors in thrilling win over Hawks
Neil Cordy
The Daily Telegraph, May 12
Who needs Lance Franklin when you’ve got Ben Ronke.
Yes Ben Ronke, the man playing just his third game of AFL footy produced a Buddy-like performance, booting seven goals - including the match winner - to deliver the Swans a stunning eight-point upset win over Hawthorn at the MCG.
The last Swans player to kick a bag of seven against the Hawks was none other than Tony Lockett in 1998.
He also became the first player in the game’s history to kick seven goals and make 10 tackles.
“I base my game on pressure and if the goals come that’s great,” Ronke said after the match.
Going into the game the 20-year-old had just two goals to his name in his short career but doubled that tally in the first quarter and had five just minutes into the second as he electrified his teammates and Sydney’s fans.
He started out playing a defensive role on Shaun Burgoyne but added attack to his menu in the opening minutes, making the most of every chance or half chance that came his way.
The goal scoring didn’t ease up his work rate without the ball as he produced a game high 12 pressure acts in the first half including two ball pinning tackles on Burgoyne.
It’s rare to see the Hawks veteran caught in possession twice in a season let alone being nabbed twice in a half.
He became such a headache for Alastair Clarkson he had three different opponents - Burgoyne, Ben Stratton and then the Hawks’ best defender in James Sicily.
“I was a little bit concerned before the game when he said I don’t know how to get out onto the ground. It slipped my mind that he hadn’t actually been here before. I had to guide him out to the ground so I’m glad he found his way once he got out there,” coach John Longmire revealed after the game.
“I’d be lying if I thought Ben had a game in him like that.”
“What he’s been great at is applying enormous pressure. He gives us real energy, he and Will Hayward in the front half, Tom Papley is another one who is pretty young but they charge around with real energy about them. They don’t get everything right but that’s OK they have a competitive streak to them and it rubs off on the senior players.
“Whether Lance is in or out you have to find a way.”
Brave new mum finds joy amid heartbreak
Megan Hustwaite
The Sunday Telegrapaph, May 13
MUM of twins Amie Rohan will mark her first Mother’s Day today with breakfast in bed, but with just one baby in her arms.
Amie and AFL star husband Gary welcomed Bella and Willow at 34 weeks on April 12, but lost Willow five hours later to anencephaly, a terminal condition where babies are born with an underdeveloped brain and incomplete skull.
Amie told News Corp Australia her first Mother’s Day would be filled with mixed emotions.
“It’s so special but bittersweet, a day of reflection,” the 24-year-old revealed.
“It’ll be special to spend the day together, acknowledging Willow, looking at photos of her and just being a family.”
Gary, 26, who played his 100th game last week, said his wife was the most inspirational woman he knew.
“Amie’s done so much to get the twins here, like every mother she put her body through so much to give us our gorgeous kids and I’ll always be grateful for that,’’ he said.
“She’s a very strong woman and I think we’ve both pulled each other through this.
“We couldn’t have done it without each other, we’re a team.
“She’s the best mum in the world. I knew she’d be an amazing mum before she was pregnant and I’m very lucky to have her as a wife and mother to my two girls.”
