Weekly Times |
A SHOT at country footy’s No. 1 ranking is on the line when Ballarat takes on Goulburn Valley in the WorkSafe Country Championships on Saturday.
Both leagues will take inexperienced sides into the clash at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve, but a home-ground advantage coupled with the desire to reclaim the No. 1 mantle they held from 2010 to 2012 will see Goulburn Valley start strong favourites.
Aware of the underdog status of his side, Ballarat coach Shane Skontra said the weekend would show where his league stood.
“We are highly respectful of the GV league and realise that this will be a great challenge for us,” Skontra said.
“We only have five players left over from our interleague side from last year, so obviously a lot of experience has left us.”
Despite the loss of depth within the league, Skontra remained confident that Ballarat could reverse the 2011 result between the two leagues in which Goulburn Valley claimed a 38-point win.
“We didn’t perform well at all last time we played them a few years back, so we will be seeking to make a big improvement this time around,” Skontra said.
“We are going to be a very even side. We don’t have a lot of out-and-out stars this year, but having a balanced side will be a key factor for us.”
Goulburn Valley will also be below full strength for the clash, but coach Travis Ryan said the players coming in would be more than adequate replacements.
“All in all though we are in a lot better position compared to last year when we had an even bigger injury toll and the depth of our squad was really tested,” Ryan said.
“Some of these younger players that have been around the squad previously are getting their chance this year and are keen to make the most of it,” he said.
Goulburn Valley’s top-line players include former Geelong Football League star Dan Lovick, reigning Bendigo league leading goalkicker Justin Maddern (Shepparton Swans) and experienced backman Jason Morgan (Kyabram).
