GREAT Western coach Andrew Bach is remaining positive despite his team suffering another big defeat in the Mininera and District Football League on Saturday.
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Rather than dwelling on the 97-point loss at the hands of Glenthompson Dunkeld at home, Bach said he would continue to drum into his players, the need for more commitment and endeavour.
"We have some really good passages of play, but we're not consistent enough," he said.
"The players really need to start being honest with themselves. They should be gutted by a loss as big as this, but at the same time, they should be working harder on turning it all around.
"What I'm all about is teaching these guys how to play to a new structure and how to play a role, how to play their position and when to run and when not to run.
"I don't want the players taking up a space where we want the ball to go and that's what I've been trying to teach them."
At times on Saturday, the Lions looked good. They ran the ball in patches and when they used the open spaces, they were able to convert.
However, it just didn't happen often enough and Glenthompson Dunkeld were always able to respond with multiple goals. They had 13 goals on the board by half time and continued to extend their lead with a four goal third term and five goal final term.
This was despite the efforts of consistent onballer Aaron Williams, who has featured in the best for Great Western almost every week. Williams had support from Ben Newson, who spent time on the ball as well as at full-back, while centre half back Luke Notting and forward Sam Cocks were also good, but the Lions simply did not have enough firepower.
Bach said it was obvious the skills were improving, but sticking to structures and game plans was an obvious problem.
"I really want the players to be honest with me. If they don't understand the structures I am putting in place," he said.
"If they are confused, they need to say, then we can simplify things a bit.
"We know we are struggling for form at the moment, but we are improving.
"We just need to learn more about the basics, particularly things like it's not all about attack, we also have to defend.
"Some simple things like that and becoming mentally stronger and more prepared for games, might help us turn things around in the second half of the season."