IT might be a bottom of the table clash but Great Western Lions and Ararat Eagles both want to take the chance to win when the two side meet on Saturday.
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Great Western is looking to bounce back following last week’s disappointing result against Moyston-Willaura.
The 174-point blowout led to team meetings during the week but ultimately coach Andrew Bach said it had to be put aside as one of those days when nothing clicked.
“We spoke about enjoying our footy and each other on the field,” he said.
“The team work has got to come into it instead of working as individuals.
“We spoke about getting back to team football.”
Turning his attention to the game against Ararat this weekend, Bach said it was a good chance to turn the side’s form around.
“It should be, but we know we can’t go in thinking they are going to be easy beats,” he said.
“They’ve been pushing sides in recent weeks.”
Bach was hopeful that playing on the small Lions home ground would be an advantage.
“We know they like to run and when they get out into open space they can become dangerous,” he said.
“They’re used to training at Alexandra Oval, but playing at our smaller ground is a different situation.”
Ararat coach Brian Jenkins said he thought his team performed better on smaller grounds.
“We haven’t done too badly there in the past,” he said.
He said he saw the match as a good chance to chase down a long-awaited win.
“Great Western is having a few troubles themselves and missing a few,” he said.
“It won’t be the same sort of side we played last time.”
In order to register the win, Jenkins said he had emphasised the need to start well.
“If we can build that confidence from the start then we can compete,” he said.
“We’ve been competitive for halves against good opposition but we need to play four quarters.”
The Eagles will also be eager to win the one-on-one battles around the ground.
“In the end if more than 50 per cent of our players beat their opponents, then we’re a good chance,” Jenkins said.
When the sides met in round three the Lions ran out comfortable victors 14.12 (96) to 7.15 (57).