Wayward kicking hurts Warriors

MODEWARRE says it will continue to address its goalkicking woes, despite a crucial win over Ocean Grove.

The Warriors booted 12.17 in their 42-point win, which lifted them to within striking distance of the top five following a host of narrow losses.

Modewarre co-coach Josh Finch conceded his side was busily trying to find a remedy for its wayward kicking in attack, having booted 103.140 through nine rounds.

“It’s something we’ve addressed as coaches,” Finch said.

“And it’s one of those things with local footy, and every coach would agree, you’ve got a couple of boxes that you want to tick every week and goalkicking is one of them.

“It’s something that’s playerdriven and something they do in their own time when they’re away from the club as an extra ... that’s a fundamental that the boys have to get right.”

Modewarre’s inaccuracy took the gloss off an otherwise strong performance.

“It’s about time, really. We haven’t beaten anyone above us,” Finch said of Saturday’s win. “We’ve been playing some really good footy ... and it’s just nice for the boys to get a bit of reward for effort.”

The Warriors held Ocean Grove goalless in the first quarter and restricted them to three scoring shots in the second term while piling on six majors.

“In the first half we took control of the game,” Finch said. “We thought they would come out pretty strong early, because they had come off a disappointing loss in their view against Drysdale. So we talked about weathering the storm and we got the game on our terms and had some good looks in front of goal.”

Now just a game behind Queenscliff in sixth position, Modewarre is building.

“We’re playing some good footy, but we need to take more chances in front of goal,” he said. “Our percentage is good, we’re defending well and our form is getting better. It’s just a matter of taking our chances in front of goal that’s hurting us.”