The Mininera and District Football League swings back into action on Saturday with Great Western and Ararat Eagles facing difficult first round matches.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tatyoon v Ararat Eagles
FOR Ararat, a first round match against last year’s premiers will be a particularly tough opening for the side that has struggled in recent years.
Eagles coach Brian Jenkins said the first match of the season will be a tough one to win.
“It is a bit disappointing that the top of the ladder team plays the bottom of the ladder team in round one,” he said. “But it will let us know where we are about and how we compare to the better teams.”
The Eagles have been training since November and will be hoping to maximise the benefits against Tatyoon, who have only been training for two months.
“We have a fair amount of training under our belt, that will improve as we play more games but we are in reasonable shape,” Jenkins said.
“But as always, game one is a bit of an unknown. My philosophy has always been about development and to take the opposition on and have a crack. It does not matter about making mistakes, there is always another chance to make amends.”
Great Western v SMW Rovers
THE task for Great Western is somewhat less daunting. The side will host the SMW Rovers who finished two spots above them in ninth in 2016 but managed to win an extra three game.
The Lions have struggled in recent years but new recruits have boosted the club.
Lions coach Will Bell said the emphasis is not just on winning.
“I have got expectations on the playing group to see glimpses of training and growth,” he said. “We will just try and play our game and focus on what we are doing, play a good four quarter effort and make sure our pressure is up for the full game.”
The new coach has focused on improving the team’s ball movement during the preseason.
“In the past, they have bombed the ball, we have been working on our ball movement and hold on to it for as long possible,” Bell said.