WFL - The Stawell Westlift Warriors have had a tough first up encounter in a practice match against Terang-Mortlake, as they prepare for the opening round of the Wimmera Football League.
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Warriors battled Terang-Mortlake in their first hit out for six quarters, giving each player plenty of time to impress coach Brad Cassidy.
Cassidy, who took on the job a few years back and has run the pre-season, knew all the faces but wasn't so sure about how they played their football.
"I was generally really pleased with how it all went. There is a little bit of fine tuning to do, but you would expect that," he said.
"The game itself wasn't so much about scoring, but just everyone having a go and implementing different things."
Despite not caring too much about the scoreboard it is suggested that the Westlift Warriors went down by approximately four goals.
Terang-Mortlake for years have been a well coached and well drilled team and this season is no different.
"They're highly skilled, they hit targets all day and that is somewhere we need to improve.
"We had our fair share of the footy, but once we win the ball we need to use it better," Cassidy said.
Warriors will have the next two weeks of training sessions to impress the coach ahead of round one selection.
"There are quite a number of positions not set, but I'll be looking to get the team out pretty early in the week, probably Tuesday."
For Cassidy there were no real standout players from the practice match, but every player showed some positives.
The club is looking forward to its new recruits from the Victorian Amateur League, Todd Cleary and Chris Ford stepping out in the black and red and helping the youngsters on field.
Warriors also welcome back Jesse Eckel to the club and several players from Horsham and District team CKS Swifts.
Cassidy is optimistic about their first round clash against Minyip-Murtoa on April 12 and likes the idea of having the week off for Easter after that game.
"I think it is great for us to have the week off for Easter after just one game. It gives everyone the chance to fix up things they need to from the weekend before.
"Hopefully it means a higher standard of footy."
The Stawell Westlift Warriors season commences in just eight days with the Wimmera season launch taking place in Horsham tomorrow night.
