Although results aren’t the be-all-and-end-all for the Murray Bushrangers, a win this weekend against Dandenong has the potential to define their NAB League season.
Currently sitting in fifth place with a healthy percentage of 133.80, a win against the Stingrays, who are second on the ladder and one win clear of the Bushies, would have the potential to catapult them into the top four as the finals race heats up.
And having had a week off to refresh after a spirited triumph against Geelong Falcons on the road a fortnight ago, the Murray boys make the trip down to Melbourne confident of securing a victory.
Once again taking the reins due to senior coach Mark Brown’s Victoria Country commitments, assistant Justin McMahon said his team was excited for the challenge.
“We had a week off training last week to give the boys a bit of a spell after a few hectic weeks of travelling, but everyone has returned in really good spirits and ready to get back into it,” McMahon said.
“Having had a few good weeks prior to the bye it is encouraging for us to know we can compete with the top sides, and with every week being a test it is great development for our whole squad.
“Travelling to Dandenong to face a really good team on the road, it is obviously going to be a tough challenge, but also something we embrace and are excited for.”
Building a brand of football based around ferocity at the contest, McMahon said that would once again be the focus this weekend as the side looks to give its dangerous forward line ample opportunity to have an impact.
“At this time of year there are lots of ins and outs for both sides with the championships going on, we had a couple of guys in the Allies squad that played in our last game, so it’s hard to know what to expect,” he said.
“It provides opportunities for guys to come in and play a role, but in terms of how we want to play it’s all about bringing that pressure on the ball we saw against Geelong.
“We also have quite a tall side, so we’re hoping our players can have an impact in the air and we can keep improving that connectedness from our midfield to our forward line.”
With this game pivotal in the context of the ladder, the importance of a victory is not lost on the Bushrangers’ coaching staff, with the prospect of playing finals only adding to the development of their players.
“The development side of things overrides everything that we do, but the potential to play multiple finals is another great opportunity to develop the squad and give them those extra games against quality opposition,” he said.
“The higher we can finish the better opportunity our players get, so for us games like this are super important.”