The Deni Rovers senior football side will be back at home this weekend, taking on Tocumwal in Round 14 of the Picola District Football League.
This weekend’s match comes after a 99-point loss against reigning premiers Waaia.
In a game which was called off 10 minutes early due to “rising tensions”, the Bombers held a 55-point lead at the end of the first quarter and the Rovers simply could not make up enough ground in the remaining stanzas.
Rovers’ seniors coach Alex Hay said the team were shown the level of skill, effort and execution required by a high-quality outfit.
“Waaia taught us a real lesson on work rate on the weekend.
“They got out of the blocks with some real intensity on the ball, especially through half back, where they really rebound and we just weren’t able to match it.
“We tried to implement a few things to mitigate some of that momentum, but we were off with our execution and to Waaia’s credit, they just didn’t miss with their skill level and converted in front of goal.”
Despite the scoreline being put out of reach, Hay said he was pleased with the Rovers’ play following the slow start.
“After quarter time, I was happy that we could get back into the game with some positive ball movement, but the damage was certainly done by then.”
Hay said he is looking forward to some stability in the team’s line-up, despite not having the ability to call on thirds player Baxter Cowley if required.
Cowley has recently been a highlight for the Rovers seniors team and will be away on representative duties this weekend.
“I’m hoping all things go well during the week so that we are able to go into the game against Tocumwal with an unchanged line-up, which will be the first time in a while.
“Although Baxter Cowley will be out. He has started the last two weeks in our 18 but he will be playing state footy in Canberra.
“It is a fantastic achievement, and we’re really proud of what he has been able to achieve in such a short period.”
The last time Rovers took on Toc was round one of this year, with Rovers the victors by 73 points.
Toc are also coming off a loss, by 28-points to sixth-placed Picola United.
Hay said Deni will focus on bringing more consistency to their in-game effort this weekend, as both teams have transformed since the start of the season.
“In terms of the upcoming game, we really can’t take too much from our last encounter earlier in the year.
“Both teams have gone through some change, and I know that they have gotten some key players back.
“They had a strong performance last week against quality opposition in Picola.
“Our focus is to continue to find the consistency that we are chasing in-game.
“Our defensive pressure was great against Berrigan, and that will be the form that we will try to emulate this weekend.”
In addressing the early finish to last week’s game against the Bombers, Rovers president John Glowrey said it was a “precautionary approach” taken by the umpires that was certainly not going to affect the final result.
“The league has confirmed, after consultation with the umpires, board members at the game, club officials and other spectators that there were no reportable offences committed,” Glowrey told the Pastoral Times.
“The senior group have reflected on the game and are taking proactive steps to ensure that they conduct themselves in a manor that earns respect.
“In my experience, Waaia run a pretty tight ship, so I have no doubt they will be doing the same thing.”