“WE’VE got to be as positive as we can be and play as well as we possibly can.”
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That is how Ararat coach David Hosking summed up his side’s looming contest with Wimmera Football League heavyweights Minyip-Murtoa.
The Rats travel to Minyip this Saturday and take on a Burras side that will be looking to bounce back after suffering its first loss for 2016.
“Wouldn’t it be our luck to catch them on the rebound?” Hosking pondered.
Unfortunately for Ararat, luck hasn’t been on its side in 2016. The Rats’ season has been cruelled by long-term injuries to key players and has forced the younger players to step up into playing regular senior football.
Hosking added this Saturday’s clash against Minyip-Murtoa is an opportunity for his younger brigade to learn against quality opposition. Liam Arnott, Tom Mills, Adam Haslett, Riley Hamilton, Ben Boatman and Aidan Moar have all been required to play senior football in 2016.
“I feel a bit sorry for them. Their confidence can get knocked around,” Hosking said.
“But they are playing good football – they’re just being asked to do something they’re not ready to do. They shouldn’t doubt themselves though.
“They should just go out there, have a crack and don’t hung up on the result.”
Missing this Saturday’s clash is Jake Robinson after he suffered concussion and a broken finger in the Rats’ 57-point loss to Horsham.
Adam Haslett will join Robertson on the sidelines with tonsillitis. Jacob Hamilton (sore leg) and captain Alan Batchelor, who is experiencing issues with a plate in his hand, are doubtful.
In a boost for the Rats, forward Gordon Laurie should return from a hip flexor injury, while defender Sam Shalders is set to make his first appearance for 2016 after recovering from a fractured vertebrae. Assistant coach Ryan Bates (sore knee) got through Tuesday night training, and is also likely to play against the Burras.
It’s not all doom and gloom for Hosking and his side. The Rats were just 22 points down at three quarter time against Horsham last Saturday, a fact not lost on Hosking.
“I know that if Horsham had have kicked well, we would’ve been behind by a lot more. But the fact is we were still in the game,” the Rats coach said.
“There’s good signs there. We’re hanging tough and being competitive. It’s not like we’re being smashed by 20 goals every week.”