The Standard |
A COMPETITIVE team which has failed to capitalise when it has momentum and concedes heavily during lapses.
It’s a lament South Rovers coach Brendan Whelan has about his hard-working side which has challenged, but not threatened most sides this season.
“If it was all about contests, we’d be in the top three or four this season.
A 32-point defeat to Merrivale last weekend only served to reinforce notions about the ninth-ranked Lions.
“Merrivale got on top of us early and could’ve easily blown us out of the water. But the guys, to their credit, kept trying,” Whelan said.
“We were able to get on top in the second half.
“It was really pleasing to outscore a top side in those conditions.
“It was only the second quarter (where they hurt us). They kicked five goals against the breeze and only three goals with it.”
South Rovers get another chance to test themselves when seventh-ranked Kolora-Noorat travels to Walter Oval today.
The Power enters the match brimming with confidence after upstaging Old Collegians by 23 points, thanks to a seven-goals-to-none first quarter.
The Lions added Kyeran Ellery, Tom Hirst, Josh Bell and 200-gamer Matt Wood to the side.
Daniel Clifford misses with soreness while Stuart McAlpine, Ben Ryan and Josh Brown are unavailable.
The Power made one change, losing Brad Hillman to suspension and including recruit Sam Hasell.
“You look at them beating Collegians last week and they’ll definitely be up and about,” Whelan said.
“I’m sure they’ve set themselves for the next four or five weeks to have a crack at making finals.”
