Shepparton News

Eagles primed for Bombers

MANSFIELD DETERMINED AHEAD OF CLASH

- By Tyler Maher

Mansfield travels to Kyabram to take on the Bombers in Goulburn Valley League round-seven action tomorrow.

But when the Eagles land at Kyabram Recreation Reserve it will be with a confident flourish, not with any trepidatio­n about the battle ahead against the best team in recent league history.

“We’re going over there expecting to win to be honest,” coach Chad Owens said.

“We’re going to put our best foot forward.

“We know it’s going to be a challenge, but we can’t go over there worrying about how good Kyabram is.”

Despite going down comfortabl­y to Echuca last round, Owens was happy with many aspects of the performanc­e from his troops.

“We lost by eight goals last week, but we actually played all right,” Owens said.

“Trying to tidy up that last kick inside 50m is something we have really been focusing on.

“Playing Echuca last week, they’re so organised offensivel­y and defensivel­y, so it was a good lead-up into playing Kyabram.

“If you’re not on your game the entire time they’ll kick two goals (in the blink of an eye) and then you’re out of the contest.

“I'm expecting Kyabram to be the same.”

And reinforcem­ents should arrive for tomorrow’s clash in the form of star midfielder Brett Mahoney — although plenty of other players have put their hand up to be counted so far this campaign.

“We think if we can get our game going we can come away with the win,” Owens said.

“Brett should be back, we missed him last week.

“Lachie Ritchie down back has been great, Patty Marks and the whole midfield group, and Will Foster up forward has been impressive, too.

“Across the board we're playing well though.”

For the Bombers, a dour first half against Benalla in round six gave way to an avalanche of goals in the second.

The home side will be hoping to have bottled the latter form and be able to release it from the first bounce.

Kyabram will have to do so without Tom Sheldon, cocoach Mick Mattingly and possibly Lachie Smith as he continues to manage hamstring tightness — but Reid Crowe will return for his first game since round three.

 ??  ?? As the Crowe flies: Reid Crowe will be back in action for Kyabram this weekend.
As the Crowe flies: Reid Crowe will be back in action for Kyabram this weekend.
 ??  ?? Back on deck: Mansfield gun Brett Mahoney should return this weekend.
Back on deck: Mansfield gun Brett Mahoney should return this weekend.

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