Willowburn remains positive after loss

FOOTBALL: A 3-2 loss was not how Willowburn planned to start their TFL Premier Men’s premiership defence.

“I think we got a little bit of stagefright,” coach Jamie McMillan said.

“We’re a fairly young side compared to last season, and for many of them it was their first taste of this division.

“I don’t want to take anything away from the Hawks’ boys, though.

“They started the game on a roll, full of confidence after their conference team drew and their women’s team won earlier in the day.

“They played really well.” Up against a Gatton team riding high after Winstanley Shield final and TFL wins, McMillan believes his team will be better for their Hawks experience.

“They (Hawks) drew first blood pretty early which rocked us,” he said.

“But we got ourselves back into the game well.

“We drew level, then we went up a goal and we were unlucky not to go up 3-1.

“When we played our game, got the ball to feet, kept our structure and created space, we looked very good.

“There are a lot of positives to take away from the game.

“The newer players learned a bit more about what it takes to play in this division.

“The pace is just that bit quicker, you have to fight for everything week in week out, and you can’t afford to take your foot off the gas.

“As long as we can be consistent and make sure we don’t find ourselves in a position where we have to play catch up footy, we will be fine.”

Willowburn plays Gatton in Gatton at 7pm.