Border Mail |
WANGARATTA Rovers coach Mick Caruso has launched a stinging attack on his players after their 66-point capitulation against Lavington on Saturday.
A livid Caruso accused the Hawks of “ball watching” and labelled the club’s emphatic weekend defeat as the most disappointing performance in his three seasons as coach.
Rovers were smashed by Lavington from start to finish as the Panthers asserted their status as a genuine premiership threat and left the Hawks’ claims in tatters.
Caruso, who vented his frustrations throughout the game, wasn’t any less annoyed after it.
“It’s probably the most disappointing game we’ve played in my tenure,” Caruso said.
“Even during 2011 we never played a poor four quarters.
“We always had a good quarter, or half, here or there.
“But today we were mauled by a much better, more disciplined football side.”
Caruso credited Lavington for its pressure but said the Hawks did themselves no favours in handing the Panthers the four points.
“We played to our weaknesses,” he said. “Our disposal by foot and by hand, under no pressure at all, was despicable.”
Caruso singled out the efforts of Hawk Dale Martin, who was sent to hospital during the first quarter after a nasty clash, as an example his teammates needed to follow.
Despite no chance of winning, Martin returned to Lavington Oval after being stitched up and was ready to go back on in the final term.
He wasn’t risked.
“He still had the gear on and was ready to play but we did the right thing and didn’t put him back on,” Caruso said.
“I was a bit concerned he may have had some concussion.
“He’s had claret pour just about every week.
“He’s one of those guys we missed in the clinches.
“That was probably the most disappointing thing.
“We didn’t go in and get it.”
