Rovers ready to bear Bears’ brunt

Last week, the Rovers had an 18 point comeback win against Dookie, while Tungamah had a 26 point win against Jerilderie.

Rovers senior football coach Alex Hay said coming back to win after trailing at each quarter break last week demonstrated the determination of the team.

“The comeback win against Dookie was really important in terms of what we are trying to build at the club,” he said.

“I was really pleased, more so with our ability to hold our structure when things weren't going so well in the game, and to pull away in the last quarter showed that it can stand up when the pressure is on.

“Trailing at each quarter break and still managing to secure a victory speaks volumes about the team's character and determination, particularly when our leaders stood up.

“James Gilligan was exceptional in the contest and even bobbed up with a critical goal, as well as Adam Bodey who took a pivotal mark, these guys continue to lead the way.

“The way we finished strong reflects the resilience we’ve been building all season, and it’s a great confidence booster moving forward.”

Hay said the Bears are a team that performs strongly on the field every season.

“The ladder positions probably aren't something that we look too heavily into,” he said.

“Tungamah are always strong, and they've proved that with consistent performances over a number of years. No doubt it's going to be a great challenge.

“Tungamah has been playing some really solid football recently, and a few of their key players have been in outstanding form.

“Players like Sam Ferguson and Sean Johns provide a great match up for some of our young mids and have been making significant impacts in their recent games.”

The last time the two teams faced off in senior football was round six last year at Memorial Park, where the Bears won 17.11 (113) to the Rovers’ 9.15 (69).

Hay said the Rovers are keen to play their way with success against the best teams in the competition, and will get a chance to do that tomorrow.

“Last year's result probably reflected our performance against most of the top-performing clubs in that we have been strong in our execution for 90 per cent of games.

“But we know that that doesn't cut it.

“Similar to Waaia a few weeks ago, we know that the game plan stacks up. It’s just about being disciplined and strong-willed enough to play our brand for the whole game.

“We're confident that if we can do that, then we will have a chance against any opposition.”