Football
23 May, 2024
Demons look forward to Stawell test
When round six of the Wimmera Football Netball League gets underway on Saturday, an improved Horsham team is looking forward to their test against Stawell.
Last week, the Demons finally broke through with their second win of the season against Nhill and on the back of that win have confidence heading into the match.
Coach Jordyn Burke said they have to use that momentum.
"We have been looking for that win where we got over the line in a tight game and get that confidence," Burke said.
"I said to the boys during the week that we need to use that confidence as we have had a few close losses and what better way against Stawell on our home deck."
Burke knows it is going to be hard with the Warriors having a potent forward line and midfield. He said they have a few options, such as Ben Lakin, Hudson Hair and Jack Dalziell that could match up on the dangerous Cody and Ash Driscoll.
"They are hard matchups with their size and speed and good form, and we need to find a way to stop them, and one is to limit the clean usage they get from the midfield," Burke said.
"Our midfield is going well and we are going to have to go head to head with them and back ourselves. Tom Eckel is one we need to closely check as he is dangerous when he goes forward as well and so we will try and quell his influence a bit."
After pushing Dimboola last week, the Warrack Eagles will be confident when they host Nhill at Anzac Park.
The Eagles have improved over recent weeks and if it wasn't for inaccurate kicking last week against Dimboola, they would have won.
Eagles coach Matthew Walder said they have a full squad and are now starting to build the chemistry.
"The Adelaide recruits are integrating better. It has taken time to make the squad gel and everyone is starting to know each other's games," Walder said.
"The chemistry between the group and understanding on what we need to do consistently over four quarters, by bringing the pressure and intensity is starting to get there and we are slowly beginning to be more potent with the ball in hand."
Ararat host Minyip Murtoa at Alexandra Oval, and following their 100-point loss against the Thunder last week, the Burras face a tough challenge against the reigning premiers who are hitting their straps.
Tom Williamson is fresh off nine goals and has kicked 20 in the last three matches he has played, so the Burras need to stop him.
Oscar Gawith has been kicking goals and the Burras will need him to continue to hit the scoreboard whilst their midfield needs to find a way to get on top.
In the final match of the round, the Southern Mallee Thunder host Dimboola at Rainbow Recreation Reserve.
The Thunder have their tails up and Dimboola will be wanting to go out and play better than they did last week against the Eagles. They should have Jackson Calder back and if the Thunder can stop him, then a big win could be on the cards.