Swifts challenged to top points tally

Gunnion sets task for final games of the season

Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion has set his players the task of surpassing last season’s Super League points total.

In order to achieve that, the Perth side must win their final two games of the campaign, starting with Kennoway Star Hearts on Saturday.

Swifts then bring the curtain down on the season against Newtongrange Star on June 2 with sights set on the 34 point mark.

“Next season’s preparations have begun already behind the scenes and we’ve secured the majority of the key members of the squad already,” Gunnion said.

“Obviously we can’t discuss new signings until they are signed up but we’ve reached an agreement with one significant player who was playing senior football last season.

“And we are speaking to one or two more about coming on board to boost the squad.

“But the important thing for now is the current squad finish the season strongly and as high up the league as possible.

“Two wins from our last two games would see us beat last season’s total and mark a third year of continuous improvement and growth as a Super League club.

“We’re ahead of where we planned to be when I took over as manager. Now we have the infrastructure and targets in place to allow us to grow even further.”

Kennoway sit one place and seven points behind Swifts ahead of their trip to the Riverside.

But Gunnion said: “Kennoway are an excellent attacking team and are capable of scoring against anyone.

“I think they’ve maybe lacked a little bit of experience in the vital areas and that’s the reason they’ve not been winning more games than they have.

“That said, they’ve given some very good accounts of themselves this season and will be aiming to finish up this season on a positive note.

“We’re looking forward to the game as we’re playing with a positivity and fluency that’s been much more like us lately.

“The biggest thing for us was getting continuity in terms of training and games and since April we’ve had very few disruptions due to weather.

“You see the difference in our team when we’re able to get the ball down and play football.

“When we do that we are a superb team to watch and capable of competing with the best in the league.

“It’s also been vital to giving the players who came in at the start of the season a run of games to learn and develop.

“We’ll be a better team again next season and will be looking to push ourselves into a top half position with the right additions to the squad.”

Kick-off at the Riverside against Kennoway Star Hearts on Saturday, Jeanfield’s last home game of the season, is 2.30pm.