The Deni Rovers senior football side is coming off a 28-point loss to Mathoura, while Strathmerton remains undefeated after their 187-point win against Blighty.
The Rovers’ senior head coach, Alex Hay, said the team was confident going into the game, but still disappointed by last week’s execution.
“Last week against Mathoura was a little bit disappointing given that we had a really positive week on the track.
“We felt as though our best was able to compete with their tempo.
“Unfortunately, as with the previous two weeks, we just weren’t able to produce that for long enough.”
Hay said Mathoura’s application was better for longer than the Rovers’ side, which is concerning but something the team can address.
“To Mathoura’s credit, they were just cleaner with the ball and made better decisions under pressure than us.
“It is a little bit of a concern but to give it a positive spin, it’s something that we can correct directly with our application and attitude towards how things are going on the field.”
Strathmerton is at the top of the ladder and a different task again this week.
“They are clearly the in-form team in the competition, not having dropped a game and with an experienced list who have had sustained success.”
However, this is an opportunity for the Rovers’, who are still considered a young team.
“It’s really exciting for our young group.
“I believe that it only fosters growth to play against the best teams and players and looks to be a great learning experience.”
Even though the team hasn’t won in the last three weeks, Hay said the side is still capable of winning with their style of play.
“I do believe that if we play the kind of football that we know we are capable of then we will give ourselves every opportunity to win.
“Nothing has changed in the way that we prepare, being predictable and accountable is the mantra and if we continue along that line we know that the tables can turn quite quickly.”