GISBORNE coach Brad Spear hopes Saturday’s game against Kangaroo Flat can be the catalyst for the Bulldogs to build some confidence ahead of a tough stretch of BFNL matches.
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Both the Bulldogs and Roos go into Saturday’s round three clash at Dower Park 0-2.
While the focus for Spear and his players is purely on striving to get their first win of the season, the Bulldogs follow Saturday’s game up against what shapes as three of the top contenders in Strathfieldsaye, Golden Square and Eaglehawk.
The Bulldogs go into Saturday’s clash close to full strength, but have lost Ethan Minns, who suffered a knee injury in last week’s 37-point defeat to South Bendigo and is expected to be out for at least three to four weeks.
“There’s no doubt we’ve improved on where we were at last year, but our focus is to continue to stick to our processes and not make the scoreboard the sole focus,” Spear said on Friday.
“If we get our processes right then I think we’ll be a real chance.
“And if we were able to win away from home, that would give the boys a little bit of hope and confidence as well.
“We certainly see this week as an opportunity and hopefully, we come away with a win that can be a real positive for the group going forward.”
The Bulldogs have won just three of their past 19 away games – twice at Maryborough and once at Kangaroo Flat.
While the season is only two games old, the Bulldogs look to be better placed offensively than last year when they averaged just 59 points per game.
The Bulldogs have kicked scores of 104 and 85 in their opening two losses to Kyneton and South Bendigo, but have leaked scores of 122 and 112.
As for the three tough games that awaits the Bulldogs after the battle with the Roos, Spear says it’s a challenge his side is keen to embrace as it continues on its path of development.
“It’s really important we go up to Kangaroo Flat this week and give ourselves the best chance of winning and take some confidence into those following three games,” said Spear, who is in his second season as Gisborne coach.
“The group looks forward to those challenges and trying to make life as difficult as they can for the opposition.
“If we can be really competitive in those games, which we weren’t last year, then it will reinforce the fact we are improving.”
Kangaroo Flat has opened the season with defeats to Golden Square (6 points) and Eaglehawk (38).
Trent McInnes in defence, recruit Jonathan Lanyon, co-coach Corey Greer and Tom Holman have started the season in good form for the Roos.
Saturday’s game at Kangaroo Flat starts at 2.20pm.
