Geelong Advertiser |
GEELONG West coach Nick Washington couldn't be more blunt when he talks about how vital Saturday's clash with Anakie is in the context of the Cheetahs' season.
"I think if we lose we won't make it (into the finals)," Washington said.
"It's a massive game for us. It's vitally important."
He's not wrong, either.
Geelong West is one of five teams, including Anakie, who are separated by just four points.
All five - Geelong West, Anakie, Thomson, Winchelsea and Bannockburn - are likely to battle for one available spot inside the GDFL's top five.
Washington believes his side must win its remaining matches against the Roos, Bannockburn, Winchelsea and ladder leader North Geelong to secure finals.
"We have to win from here on out," Washington said.
"But that is looking pretty far ahead, we will just concentrate on Anakie for now.
"They are a bit like us, not playing the best football at the moment but they are a dangerous side.
"We are a young side and a club that is not used to winning.
"So they are things we are working on this week to make sure we are having a big crack at sides."
The Cheetahs have spent the week soul-searching after a heavy loss to Thomson last week.
Washington said his side could look back on the 45-point defeat as a fatal blow to their finals dreams.
"It was tough, it was a tough day," Washington said.
"We were second to the ball, we weren't just there mentally. Hopefully we can make finals, that's still my goal. But I think that loss on the weekend could come back to bite us. That loss and the Bannockburn loss earlier in the year where we just played bad football."
