The Deni Rovers senior football team are keen to perform in their round 12 Picola League match this Saturday at Memorial Park against Berrigan.
The home game signifies a big day for the club, with Sponsors Day at Memorial Park and the 10th place seniors taking on Berrigan who sit only one spot and four points ahead.
Moreover, Allan Bond is set to play his 300th Picola & District game and Brendan Hope will chalk up his 300th club game.
On the field, the Rovers will be looking to bounce back from their 69-point loss to fourth placed Katunga.
Rovers senior coach Alex Hay said the weekend’s result was disappointing after starting the game fairly evenly matched against Katunga.
“The result against Katunga was difficult because we showed in the first quarter that we were able to match it with them, particularly with our pressure at the contest and around the ground.
“It’s critical in those types of games that you get some early conversion, which unfortunately we didn’t.
“From there on we were just too easy to score against, which we had to go back to the drawing board and tweak a few things to try and rectify against Berrigan.”
Hay said the game is important for the club to keep in touch with the finals conversation.
“The game against Berrigan this week is important for a number of reasons.
“In the context of our season we need a strong performance to stay relevant, which will be difficult given that Berrigan have played some good footy against solid opposition.”
Hay said for the day to include two big milestones should hopefully fire up the team.
He particularly praised Bond on his massive effort.
“It is just an outstanding achievement.
“Bondy is often unheralded with what he does on the field because he has made a career out of being a no fuss type of footballer who does everything extremely well.
“But with the amount of work that he does off the field to keep his body in check speaks to his consistency. He is arguably playing some of his best footy this season.
“If you spoke to anyone who has coached him over his time I’m sure that they would attest that he is one of the first selected each week, because he will play whatever role, anywhere on the field without question which is very rare.”
“The best way to celebrate his milestone will be to put in a good performance and get the four points.”