TOOLEYBUC Manangatang got what it deserved in its one point loss to Nyah Nayh West United last week, according to coach Jack O’Rourke.
O’Rourke said yesterday his side “didn’t rock up in the first half”.
“The challenge is once again on to play four quarters. It’s just a challenge for a young group to turn up to play every week but it’s not good enough really what we did last week,” he said.
“It’s natural ((young players)) have their ups and downs, but we’ve shown that we can push the best and then we show we can be beaten by the sides around us, there needs to be more consistency.”
The Saints got through last week’s game against the Demons largely unscathed and will have close to a full list to choose from against Swan Hill tomorrow.
Ben Arentz, however, will be at least another fortnight away after injuring his hamstring against Cohuna.
O’Rourke said he expected a tough game against Swan Hill.
“They’re going to be hard to beat, we know that. It’s going to be a big challenge,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it, I always like playing Swan Hill.”
Swans’ boss Xavier Moloney said tomorrow’s game was vital.
“I see this as another must win game. We got into the five this week and tomorrow is a must win game for us going forward.”
Moloney said he remained pleased with the Swans’ continued improvement.
“We’ve got a few players that have taken a big step in cementing their spot in the team,” he said.
Among them were Coady Travaglia, Luke Phelan, Thomas Corridan and Kaylem Hartley, Moloney said.
But he said his team had been too reactive.
“We were probably waiting to see how the third quarter panned out a bit,” he said.
Don’t expect the same from the Swans back home tomorrow, but the Saints will provide a stern test early.
TIP: Swan Hill by 56 points.
For more Central Murray round 10 previews, see Friday’s edition of The Guardian (June 28, 2013).
