NEXT GAME AT SALE KEY FOR WARRAGUL
Warragul’s finals quest is by no means over. It has three games to go. Two wins would almost certainly secure the spot it currently holds in the “five”.
If other results fall Warragul’s way - primarily Drouin losing three of its last four games - one win might just be enough.
The Gulls will also need to keep an eye on how Wonthaggi Power (fourth on the ladder and just ahead of Warragul on percentage), Moe and even Sale, currently three games out of the “five”, fare in their final four games.
But the main thing for Warragul to concern itself with is its own performance.
The Gulls next game on Saturday week, against Sale at Sale, could make or break their season.
They convincingly downed the Magpies 8-16 to 5-6 when they met at Western Park in round seven.
That and twice winning against other finals contenders Moe and Wonthaggi Power showed what Warragul is capable of when it gets across the ground contributions over four quarters.
Even last Saturday’s loss to unbeaten Leongatha had positives Warragul can take to Sale. The Gulls should also appreciate this week’s “rest”. After Sale, Warragul finishes with Traralgon (away) and a Western Park clash with Maffra.
They will be tough but not impossible, especially Maffra that doesn’t play as well away as it does on its home ground.
In his post-match address to players on Saturday coach Steve Kidd was not discounting playing in finals.
The more experienced on-field leaders will have to show the way and it’s a great opportunity for the young players to stand up under pressure and stamp themselves as bona fide senior players and integral parts of the team.