Bye benefit as Colac looks to cover stars
COLAC captain Ryan Monaghan admits his side faces a “tricky” assignment against a much-improved Lara.
As the Tigers bid to consolidate their position inside the top three, Monaghan stressed his team would encounter a stern test at the Snakepit, with a trio of stars out of the line-up.
Colac will be without ruckman Lochie Veale, who will serve the second week of a two-match ban for rough conduct, while midfielder Jonathan “Joffy” Simpkin and forward Jarryn McCormack are recovering from injuries.
Monaghan, who has also rested his tired body since the win over St Albans a fortnight ago, said the bye had come at the perfect time.
“We’ve got a few boys with a bit of soreness at the moment a and everyone just enjoys a w week off,” Monaghan said.
“We noticed after the week off earlier in the year that everyone came back with a little bit more ticker, more in the tank and a bit more energy, e even just for training. It came a at a good time.”
Simpkin opted to withdraw f from the Vic Country squad and sit out of the clash against the Cats, but Monaghan insists the club is simply managing the ball magnet.
“I know he’s had a bit of stiffness through his groins, and between him, Vealey and Jake McGuane, there’s some s sore bodies,” Monaghan said.
“When you’re playing sides where you hope to tick over a win, you’ve just got to take the break because you’re probably not going to get many more for the rest of the season.
“So if those guys can freshe en up in the next few weeks, hopefully they’ll have plenty in the tank in the last seven rounds.”
Veale and McCormack (ankle) aim to return in Round 13 against Newtown & Chilwell.
“He (McCormack) rolled it over against St Joseph’s in the first quarter and he hasn’t played since,” Monaghan said.
“I think he’ll be maybe one more week and be right for the Newtown game.”
As for Lara, Monaghan knows it’s a danger game, with the Cats due to take a big scalp.
But the Tigers have been in red-hot form, stringing together six-straight wins. Monaghan believes his side is well-placed for a tilt at a flag.
He also insists there’s plenty of life in the legs of the likes of Veale, Simpkin, McGuane and co-coach Kane Leersen.
“I think those guys have another three years left in them,” Monaghan aid.
“Joffy’s a question mark, but Vealey’s got another three years, Jake McGuane’s got at least two years and Kaneo’s got five or six, so there’s plenty of years left in that scope.
“But given the list we’ve got and the depth of the list, when I look back to 2014 that was our biggest asset.”
Half the battle, according to Monaghan, is ensuring young stars Adam Garner, Leigh Gorwel and Zach Zdybel believe they are capable of winning a premiership.
The belief is growing at Central Reserve, but Monaghan remains wary of reigning premier St Joseph’s, who he has at the top of the pile.
“I’d still say Joeys (are our biggest threat),” he said.