Tigers wary of Dogs’ possession game
COMING out of a pandemic-enforced hibernation will bring enough energy to the return of Townsville Aussie rules without prompting.
But with a grand final rematch on the cards, that enthusiasm will be at its peak.
Defending champions Hermit Park will look to kickstart their title defence emphatically when they face 2019 runner-up Thuringowa.
In last year’s decider the Tigers overcame the Bulldogs 13.10-88 to 11.7-73 in a thrilling contest, one which is likely to fuel plenty of emotions come Saturday afternoon.
Hermit Park coach Brett Hughes said training had “certainly not been how we’d normally do things” given contact was only able to resume this week. The players have seen their AFL counterparts take the field and now it is their turn.
“We knew about the draft draw for a little while but we didn’t mention it to the players until we knew that was what was happening,” Hughes said.
“I think being a shortened season every game is a little more important than what it was in years gone by. To now only get to play each other twice it adds a little more to the game.”
Hughes is expecting a similar Bulldogs unit to come at his men this weekend. And given the environment COVID-19 has created, that could play into their rival’s hands.
The Tigers thrive on a physical contest — something they have been unable to practise until now.
“They (Thuringowa) like to move the ball really quickly, and put the opposition defence under pressure so I’d be expecting similar things again,” he said.
The clash will begin at 3.30pm at Riverway Stadium.