AFTER falling short last Saturday against Balranald, Lake Boga will get another opportunity to claim a big scalp to kickstart their season when they host Woorinen.
With both teams currently on three wins, tomorrow’s match is seen as an eight-point game. A loss is likely to severely dent the finals hopes of whoever loses.
For Lake Boga, a loss will most likely see them slip from the top five owing to their weaker percentage.
Despite succumbing to the undefeated Roos last Saturday, there were still plenty of positives for the Magpies, with the 15-point margin showing that they are competitive.
For joint coach Angus Monfries, last week was also a learning curve for his side, with their poor disposal efficiency an area that was identified post-match as one that needed urgent attention.
“Playing Balranald in Balranald was a big test for us last weekend and although we finished the game off strong, it was also a bit disappointing that we weren’t able to do that over four quarters,” Monfries said.
“Our ball use was probably the one area we let ourselves down in with some really basic skill errors, combined with the fact that we turned it over in some bad spots that cost us scores against.
“I think if we can still be brave with the footy and still play the way we want to, but execute a bit better, then hopefully we can play the game more in our forward half and on our terms.”
Lake Boga are expected to go in with a similar side to last weekend, with question marks still surrounding the inclusion of midfield gun Matthew Payne.
The Tigers on the other hand should regain the services of full-back Ben Booth and midfielder/forward Dylan Godwin, with defender Henry Thompson also a chance to resume should he get through an overnight fitness test.
With both teams possessing strong midfields, Woorinen coach Marcus Demaria expects the match to be decided out of the centre – but while the Magpies’ ability to win the contested ball is seen as their big strength, the Tigers dual premiership coach is hoping his side can expose their opposition on the outside.
“I think we play a bit better on the bigger grounds, which Boga is – it just suits us a bit more with being able to use our run and carry game a bit more effectively,” Demaria said.
“They’re a very physical side with a few bigger bodies around the contest, which makes them a good stoppage team, whereas we feel we’re perhaps a better spreading team.
“So, if we can win the ball at the source then get the ball on the outside, we feel we can get an advantage there.”
Monfries agreed that tomorrow’s match would likely be won and lost in the midfield, with Jacob Simpson expected to play a big role in giving his teammates first use of the ball around the stoppages and bringing the likes of Jake Warren, Tyle Williams and Nathaniel Holmes-Brown into the contest.
“I think the two teams have relatively similar game styles and it will likely be decided out of the middle,” Monfries said.
“Last weekend I felt we struggled around the stoppages a bit just in winning the ball and getting it forward and I feel like that will be a pretty important area again tomorrow.
“We were happy with our intensity and our intent across four quarters in our game against Tyntynder a fortnight ago, but then we probably only brought that same level of intensity for a quarter and a half last weekend.
“I think for us, it’s about bringing that intent and pressure consistently – and I think if we do that then we can match it with the best sides, but if we don’t then we leave ourselves open to falling short.”
Tip – Woorinen to win by 15 points.
