ARE they genuine finals contenders or just pretenders?
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That is the question facing Wickliffe/Lake Bolac, who tackle Tatyoon this weekend in round 15 of the Mininera and District Football League.
The Magpies have gained momentum throughout the second half of the season with wins in their past four matches although still sit in sixth position on the ladder, with SM&W Rovers and Caramut breathing down their neck.
Wickliffe/Lake Bolac assistant coach, Jock Cameron, is confident the Magpies have the ability to extend their winning run.
“We came up against Tatyoon earlier on in the year and matched them for half a game. I think we’re more than capable of pushing them again,” he said.
“Especially in this back half of the season. We’ve been on a roll which is fantastic and if we can win this, it’ll be a great start if we are to challenge for finals.”
Wickliffe/Lake Bolac has accounted for fifth-placed Glenthompson/Dunkeld (29 points) and Caramut (75 points) in recent weeks, and the resurrection has come back to playing what Cameron describes as the Magpies “brand of footy.”
“We’re taking games on and playing with confidence,” he said.
There are things the Magpies need to work on, such as their consistency throughout matches.
“We definitely need to play four quarters. We still have lapses where we switch off for 10 minutes, so we need to work on our intensity all over the ground.”
Wickliffe/Lake Bolac’s side is ‘pretty much set’, according to Cameron, and that is huge help as it looks to continue its winning form. Jason Quinlivian is one player who may return soon, after missing the majority of this season due to work commitments. His inclusion will add more class and polish to the Magpies’ midfield. Meanwhile, onballer Michael Otto will be one for the Hawks to watch following a best on ground performance last weekend.
In other matches Ararat Eagles play host to SM&W Rovers at Alexandra Oval, Great Western is at home to Moyston/Willaura while Lismore/Derrinnallum take on Glenthompson/Dunkeld. Hawkesdale/Macarthur clash with Woorndoo/Mortlake and Penshurst welcomes Caramut.
Umpires - Ararat v SM&W Rovers: M Rudolph and Adam Vermeend; Lis/Derri v Glen/Dunk: D Reynolds and T Cooper; Pens v Caramut: P Spriggs and L Mooney.