Honest team talk helps turn Bombers around
AUSSIE RULES: It was the session South Toowoomba needed to keep its season alive.
Just days out from their round 16 defeat of Warwick, the Bombers opted for a team meeting as opposed to a usual training session.
It followed on from a tough period of footy for the club, which saw them drop five of their past eight games, and in serious danger of missing out of the finals.
“We didn’t train on the Monday. We had a team meeting and got a few things out into the open,” coach Shaun Reardon said.
“It was pretty confronting for a few blokes, myself included.
“It was about clearing the air and re-focusing on what we need to do. We’re hoping it’s a turning point for us.”
It proved a masterstroke, as the Bombers produced some of their best football of the season to remain in striking distance of the top-five.
They’re aware they need to continue winning to ensure they make the post-season however, with the teams above them enjoying soft runs to finish off the year.
It continues this afternoon when they welcome ladderleaders Goondiwindi to Heritage Oval, and Reardon is hoping his team can capitalise on the home-ground advantage.
“Every game is like a final for us. We need to keep on winning,” he said.
“If we can replicate last weekend we’ll be in with a chance. We’re looking forward to the challenge.
“Heritage is much different to Gundy (Riddles Oval). It’s a lot bigger and longer, and we think our game style is better suited to the larger ground.
“The way we structure up and our game plan has to be spot on.”
A win would move the Bombers into fifth spot on the ladder on percentages with University having a bye round.
Fellow contenders Warwick and Highfields are heavy favourites in their matches against Chinchilla and Toowoomba respectively.
HEAVYWEIGHTS CLASH ONE LAST TIME
Senior women’s leading contenders University and Toowoomba will meet for the final time in the regular season as both sides look to gain a mental edge ahead of the finals.
Currently it is the Cougars that possess bragging rights in 2019, holding a 3-1 record over the Tigers and having locked up the minor premiership.
‘‘ WE DIDN’T TRAIN ON THE MONDAY. WE HAD A TEAM MEETING AND GOT A FEW THINGS OUT INTO THE OPEN. SHAUN REARDON