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Horsham District FLWimmera-Mail Times| JEPARIT-RAINBOW coach Mark Cocks said his team would go in as underdogs against the undefeated Southern Mallee Giants in the Horsham District Football Netball League qualifying final at Quantong on Saturday. 

“We are confident we can perform well and we really have nothing to lose,” he said. 

“We will be going out there to give it our best shot. We can only surprise so bring it on.” 

Taylors Lake senior coach Daryl Eastwell shares his thoughts on the upcoming semi-final.

Ashley Clugston and James Mulligan will return for the Storm. 

Mark Austin may feature in the side, depending on his VFL commitments. 

“Those are three pretty handy ins,” Cocks said. 

While Cocks said he expected a challenging game, he said his side would focus on its own game and not the pressure. 

“It will be extremely challenging and they are good side but we are there, so we can only do our best now,” he said. 

“Just like every game our strengths will be our competitive footy and our in tight body work. 

“Winning the ball first will obviously be a goal for both sides. 

“We will want to win it in the middle to give our forwards the best opportunities. 

“If we get enough ball we can kick the goals. You have to kick them to win it.” 

Cocks said his side had good numbers at training and would look for a team effort against the Giants. 

Key players for the Storm are Sam Cranna in the ruck, Elliott Bath, Luke Murphy and Ben Marra.

The side will also look to standouts Simon Clugston and Jayden Werner down back. 

“We rely on the team effort but we will be looking to those guys for some hard work,” Cocks said. 

“They are the nuts and bolts.” 

Giants coach Geoff Burdett said his side’s focus would be a strong start. 

“The winner gets the chance to go straight into the grand final so, no doubt about it, there is a lot on the line,” he said. 

“What we have been doing all year has been good enough to win. 

“We know finals are different but we will be playing our normal brand of football.

“The rivalry of the Mallee will be a big thing for both clubs.” 

Burdett said his side was at full strength with no injury concerns. 

The Giants will look to Kain Robins and Tyler Lehmann up forward, Brock Orval through the midfield as well as Clinton Burdett. 

Shaun Monohan and Haydn Drew will look to continue their form as will Rory Shannon and Sam Wedell. 

“We need to play hard attacking football. Our fitness should be good and has been all year,” Burdett said.

“All we need to do is continue to play as we have all year. We are looking forward to the contest and will not be changing much.”  

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