Redbacks hope to sting Coolaroo
AUSSIE RULES: Warwick has played the chasing game against Coolaroo twice in 2019, and they’re not about to make it a third.
Heading into tomorrow’s preliminary final, the Redbacks are hoping to overturn back-to-back defeats to the Roos, including a qualifying final loss a fortnight ago.
On both occasions they fell behind early and were unable to bridge the gap, something player-coach Ben Heppell is determined not to let happen again.
“We need to get off to a good start and put scoreboard pressure on them early,” Heppell said.
“That’s our main focus. We need to start well and maintain that.
“We want to keep the pressure on them and have them chasing us. They’ve done it to us the last two times we’ve played them, and they have been able to keep a hold of that gap.
“We know what Coolaroo is going to throw at us. Their game-plan is relatively simple, but they are extremely welldrilled and they are such a skilful team.”
Despite the strength of the opposition, Heppell said there was a good vibe around the club following a heart-stopping six-point victory over University in last weekend’s elimination final.
“The feeling among the group has been really good,” he said.
“It’s been a positive week so far, and the boys have been staying positive after that hardfought win.
“I was very proud of that effort. We never gave up.
“We had control throughout the game but couldn’t manage to put it on the scoreboard at times. We were just lucky enough to get over the line.”
The winner of tomorrow’s preliminary final will progress through to take on Goondiwindi in the grand final on September 14.