Border Mail | WANGARATTA Rovers coach Paul Maher has questioned the Hawks' mental strength after his team slumped to their worst loss of the season against Wangaratta at Norm Minns Oval on Sunday.
After producing a barnstorming second half to roll Myrtleford the previous week, Maher said he was disappointed how the Hawks responded when given the opportunity to revive their season.
Rovers were blasted by a 7.1 to 0.2 second term by their previously winless cross-town rivals and found themselves 56 points down in the third quarter before losing by 42.
"On too many occasions over the course of this year we've left it up to some of our leaders too much," he said.
"I think some of them think it's all just going to happen by itself and somebody else is going to do it for them, but until we have individuals who commit a bit more to the team we're going to be found wanting against other teams."
Maher said the lack of accountability was highlighted by Magpie debutant Hugh Amery being left 20m in the clear at the top of the goalsquare in the second-quarter onslaught.
He said the Rovers' best was good enough.
"When we use the ball well and when with our handball count we get a greater spread, we use the space across the ground better and our run is better," he said.
"But there weren't the same signs as last week that we were getting back into it, we were lazy, we didn't work hard enough and our workrate was sub-par."
He had praise for those who did stump up the effort, in particular utility Dale Martin.
"Dale works tirelessly every week and he's one who must be wanting others to work as hard as him," he said.
"We've just got too many passengers at the moment going along for the ride."
The Rovers face a searching week on the track ahead of Saturday's contest against North Albury at W.J. Findlay Oval.
