Football
31 July, 2025
Eagles on the road for hitout with Nhill
They might be out of contention for finals, but that doesn't mean the Eagles are going to go easy on their opposition in any of the games remaining in the Wimmera Football Netball League season.
Determined to "flip the script" at the halfway point of the season, Warrack coach Matt Walder has led his team to a couple of wins in their last three matches after the side only claimed one victory in the first half of the fixture.
But this week they face Nhill, who, despite a hiccup last week against Stawell, have had a relatively successful season, sitting with a record of 9-3.
Last time Nhill and Warrack met, the final score was 13.13 (91) to 10.13 (73) Nhill's way.
But this week, full of determination and grit, the Eagles are on the road to Davis Park to attempt to reverse yet another result from earlier in the season.
"Nhill's not a big trip for our boys to travel," Walder said.
"The deck's good, the oval isn't an issue but it will be the opposition that is more of an issue for us.
"They are a side that is strong, placed second and obviously dropped their guard last week."
Walder said it would take something similar to what his side had been doing to get over the opposition this Saturday.
"We've been committed to the cause and if we get our setups right and stick to the tasks for longer periods of the game... we are a combative team, we are a fierce team, a team that fights and we have grit and gumption," the coach said.
"It's about getting that scoring power over the line against Nhill but they are going to be a hard team to stop.
"They move the footy well and to go back the other way and kick a score that is winning.
"It's the same mantra for us, and our defensive profile is pretty strong.
"(It's just about) giving us a chance by manufacturing a score."
Eagles fans will be looking for another big game from Sam Hanna, who has featured in his side's best every game this season, while Riley Morrow has also been in brilliant form.
For Nhill, Liam Albrecht has led the way for his side all season, as has Drew Schneider, who is currently sixth in the league's leading goal scoring.
Nhill could also find motivation this week to get back on the list of winners after being defeated by the Warriors last week by just five points.
Regardless, Nhill have booked their finals place, but like the Eagles, they have nothing to lose.