Sport
24 August, 2023
Burras delve into premiership defence
Minyip Murtoa have given themselves a great chance at defending their premiership by finishing fourth on the ladder and going into the finals with a 6-2 record since the mid-season bye. The only two teams the Burra have lost to in that time have...
Minyip Murtoa have given themselves a great chance at defending their premiership by finishing fourth on the ladder and going into the finals with a 6-2 record since the mid-season bye.
The only two teams the Burra have lost to in that time have been to premiership favourite’s Ararat and the Southern Mallee Giants. They have beaten the other two finals teams in Horsham Saints (third) and Dimboola (fifth).
The Burra play Dimboola this Sunday in an Elimination Final at Alexandra Oval in Ararat. Coach Tim McKenzie is confident they are where they need to be to make an impact in the finals.
“We have made good progress as the season has gone on. We have tried to fix a few things, such as the team defence and that has looked good in recent weeks and the boys are ready to perform for the finals,” McKenzie said.
Whilst they are missing about eight players from their premiership team from last year, McKenzie pointed out they have a good balance of experience.
“We still have a tonne of finals experience in the team and we have players who haven’t tasted finals but have played enough football, so I feel we have a good balance there,” McKenzie explained.
The Burra will be buoyed by last year’s Greg Binns medallist Will Holmes whom is starting to hit some form after having a slow start to the year and when asked of who their X-Factor player is in the finals, McKenzie noted Jye Walter who kicked three goals against the Eagles last weekend.
“Jye is a great athlete. He has the ability to pile on the goals when he is on form and he has had a very solid year,” McKenzie concluded.
Burra President Scott Arnold is excited by the seniors and the club as a whole which is featuring 3 of the 4 football teams in the finals.
“The seniors are going alright. In his second season as coach Tim McKenzie has done a wonderful job,” Arnold said.
The Reserves, co-coached by Heath Pohl and Matt Friedlieb are currently sitting third on the ladder and have secured a double chance. They will face the Horsham Saints this weekend with the winner to face Ararat.
The under 17’s, coached by Warwick Stone have secured fourth place and a date with Nhill. Arnold is excited in particular about the 17’s and their chances.
“They are going really well. It is exciting that they get to compete in the finals again after making the second week last year. We are hopeful they can go further this time around,” Arnold explained.
Whilst the Under 14’s haven’t made it, the Under 12’s and Auskick have had a really good year which shows the youth is coming through well for the Burra.
In regards to the Netball, the Burra have three teams in contention; B Grade, C Reserve and the under 15’s. When asked how important that was, Arnold concluded.
“It’s a good contingent we have in finals. The juniors in particular – it is good see the young girls out there having fun and enjoying themselves and being rewarded for effort by making the finals. We have everything covered this finals campaign and can’t wait to get to it.”