Warriors can still wreak havoc in finals, says Finch

MODEWARRE coach Josh Finch (pictured) is confident his side can still cause damage in the finals after the Warriors’ top-three hopes were effectively dashed on Saturday.

Even with three matches to go this season, Finch’s team is on a collision course with Ocean Grove in an elimination final.

A defiant Finch saw plenty of positives in Saturday’s hard-fought 11.14 (80) to 10.6 (66) loss, including the heat his side applied on Torquay and the fact they kept the Tigers goalless until about midway through the second term.

“Where we finish, it doesn’t matter for me. We’ve got a young list that’s durable,” Finch said. “We can beat anyone. “If you looked at periods of the game, we were definitely the better side and I’m sure Dom (Gleeson) would agree with that from Torquay’s behalf.”

In the six games the Warriors have played against topfive, they have only managed to defeat Barwon Heads in Round 12, although they were in most of those contests for long periods.

Finch said the development of his side was important, no matter what the final score was.

“We’ve had our chances to beat good sides, the only exception was probably Barwon Heads (in Round 4) — we got taught a lesson and we have rectified a few problems there,” Finch said. “I think come finals time it’s a different part of the season.”

The Warriors’ finest on Saturday were Finch, Morgan Fenton and Jacob Clark, while Josh Bouwman was electric in the forward line, booting four goals.

“We thought we started the (second) quarter really well,” Finch said.

“We kicked the first (goal) and had a 15-minute period there where we had a bit of momentum. “We just probably didn’t make some good quality entries and then, on the flip side, the last 10 minutes of that quarter hurt us a little bit and they got five or six quick ones and got the game back within four points at halftime.

“We felt like we controlled the game, based on aggression and pressure at the ball carrier too and created a lot of turnovers.”

The Warriors now face the Grubbers in what shapes as an elimination final preview.

“For us, it’s a cliche, but we don’t look past the next week,” Finch said.

“We (will) reflect on our performance today, recover well and give ourselves a chance against Ocean Grove, they’re a quality side.