NORTH OUT TO ATONE
NORTH Geelong coach James Coutts is urging his side to bring its trademark intensity, warning about the dangers of taking Ballarat City lightly today.
After three successive losses, the Warriors return to Elcho Park hoping to put their season back on track with a win over their bottom-placed opponent.
Hurting from last week’s loss against a 10-man St Albans, Coutts acknowledged there was plenty of work to do to make a final push towards promotion.
“Analysing the game again from the weekend, we are disappointed with things and we know we need to improve certain areas,” he said.
“The preparation has been good. There is no denying that after a few losses there is some disappointment.
“We are looking forward to this one, a game that we know is going to be a test. We will certainly not be resting on our laurels or looking at positions on the league table.”
Despite sitting last on the ladder, Coutts is expecting a strong test against a young Ballarat side that has won only two matches this season.
“Ballarat played very well in their last game against Moreland City and could have got a result,” he said. “It goes to show what they are capable of on their day. It is a huge game for us and one that we need to get points from.
“‘Robbo’ (James Robinson) is an excellent coach, which he has proven over the years, so Ballarat will certainly be set up in a very organised manner.
“They like to play football, so we know it will be a game that we have to be on our game and play our way.”
For the Warriors to pick up the three points, Coutts said his side would need to focus on its strengths.
“We have spoken a lot as a group and know where our strengths are and we know that we need to improve,” he said.
“We know from last week that a lot of games you can dominate the ball, which we do, but you want it to be effective. We haven’t been effective enough in the final third as of late, that is certainly something we have been looking at this week and is something that we will look to address this weekend.
“At Elcho Park, we need to bring that high intensity which has been so successful for us this season.”
WARRIORS v BALLARAT CITY Today, Elcho Park, 3pm