Shepparton News

Don’t poke Bears or they may bite back

- By Tyler Maher

Tungamah let slip a golden opportunit­y to continue to pile pressure on ladder leader Shepparton East last week with a loss to Waaia.

Do not expect the Bears to be as lenient this week against Katunga.

‘‘I think the whole playing group was pretty disappoint­ed with our effort last week,’’ co-coach Nick Doyle said.

‘‘We’ll be looking to bounce back this week.’’

Forward Ash Saunders dominated in last week’s clash with six majors and the star will be hoping to hit the scoreboard heavily again this weekend, while James and Nick Irvine will return to the side from holiday.

The Bears remain second on the Picola District Football League south-east ladder, but are under no illusions as to what is needed as the season progresses.

‘‘We’re happy that we’ve only lost two games, but we also understand that we haven’t played our best footy for a lot of those games,’’ Doyle said.

‘‘We definitely have got to improve to be a genuine contender.’’

Meanwhile, Katunga was dealt a heavy blow against Shepparton East last week, losing the match by 92 points.

Co-coach Daniel Burness hoped his side could improve from that performanc­e against the Bears.

‘‘We’re trying to keep positive,’’ he said.

‘‘We played some really good footy in the first half, so we hope we can be a little bit more switched on and maintain more consistenc­y in the second half.’’

With forward target Dylan Sidebottom out for the season after rupturing his Achilles, Oliver Small’s return to the field has come at the perfect time for the Swans.

Burness said Small, who is returning from successive broken legs, would only get better as he secured more game time.

‘‘It’s really good to have him back, he’s still adjusting and finding his way, but it’s probably worked out all right after losing Dylan,’’ he said.

‘‘He probably still hasn’t hit his straps yet, but he’s a handy addition.’’

Small will act as a foil for ex-AFL player Callum Wilson, who leads the competitio­n with 47 goals.

WE’RE HAPPY THAT WE’VE ONLY LOST TWO GAMES, BUT WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVEN’T PLAYED OUR BEST FOOTY FOR A LOT OF THOSE GAMES. — NICK DOYLE

 ??  ?? No Small addition: Oliver Small is getting better every week for Katunga in his return from serious injury and could prove pivotal against Tungamah on Saturday.
No Small addition: Oliver Small is getting better every week for Katunga in his return from serious injury and could prove pivotal against Tungamah on Saturday.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia