Coolaroo and Goondiwindi shape up for blockbuster
AUSSIE RULES: A genuine football blockbuster is heading to Goondiwindi today, as Coolaroo travels to take on the Hawks.
Coolaroo has had a strong recent record over Goondiwindi, and is the only team to come away with a victory at Riddles Oval since 2017, picking up two wins over the Hawks last season.
A win today would go down as one of their most important in recent memory, with third spot on the line, and a potential drop to sixth for the loser.
Coolaroo coach Jon Weidman said he understood just how important victory was in this afternoon’s encounter.
“Our feeling is positive. It’s always a hard, tough game (in Goondiwindi), although we are quietly confident,” Weidman said.
“The most pleasing aspect (of the last few weeks) has been our workrate.
“It’s a game we really need to win for our finals chances. Third and fourth will be a battle, and it’s a case of sudden death for anyone that loses a game.”
“The key is hopefully taking our best 22, being competitive and putting ourselves in a winning position,” he said.
“We’re pretty close to full strength.
“Adam Green had an ankle injury during last weekend’s game so we will give him until today. There are a few others carrying injuries who will be given until today as well.
“Corey Bellert and Luke Mason could be back off long-term injuries, and if so we will be close to our best.”
Goondiwindi player-coach David O’Toole identified the importance of another home victory as they embark on a tough run home, as well as stopping in-form forward Green.
“It’s been good, we’ve been focused on this game and it is a very big game for both clubs,” O’Toole said.
“Over the last few years they’ve had the wood on us so we need to try and find a way to get on top.
“We’ve got some different options there. We have a lot of pace in our defence and it’s something we’ve tried to really strengthen up on.
“Adam is a quality player that has been the leading goalscorer five or six times.”
In the Westpac Cup, South Toowoomba is looking to bounce back from a run of two-straight losses when they face off with USQ.
The Cougars have been on fire of late, winning their last four games to take a stranglehold on second place.
In the other match South Burnett is looking to build off it’s win against the Bombers when it faces Toowoomba.