Big win pleases Riccardi

BANNOCKBURN co-coach Peter Riccardi says he is more assured of his side’s finals credentials after Saturday’s 77-point win over Werribee Centrals.

The perennial finals contender slipped out of the top five in Round 5 after losses to Winchelsea and Thomson, but has rediscovered form with wins over North Geelong and the Centurions in the past two rounds.

“We probably played our best game for the year (on Saturday), which was pleasing, but we’re still far from our best,” Riccardi said after the 18.17 (125) to 6.12 (48) win over Werribee.

“We played a hell of a lot better, so to win by 13 goals was great, but we probably should have won be even more to tell you the truth.”

First-year Tiger Patrick Knott, who crossed from Bell Park last month, could prove to be one of the finds of the season after kicking 10 goals before the interleague break against the Magpies.

While he was held to three goals last weekend against the Centurions, he remains one to watch.

“He’s still finding his feet in our side, obviously he was a late get for us, but he’ll continue to improve as a small forward who can pinch-hit in the middle,” Riccardi said.

The Centurions were without key ruckman Brayden Sneddon (gastro) while deputy captain Aadyn Sleep-Dalton suffered a corky in the game.

Riccardi hopes his side takes it winning momentum into Saturday’s clash against Belmont Lions.

“It’s not just Dylan (Witney) to be honest, we’re going to have to stop Jay Kirwood, who has established himself as a goalkicker, as well as Nick Chapman, who booted three from the midfield,” he said.

“They’ve improved a fair bit this year, but we just have to stick to our structure and do what we do best to win this game of footy.”