IT IS the penultimate week of the 2016 Wimmera Football League season with just three sides still in the running.
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Minyip-Murtoa Burras were the benchmark in the regular season but that counts for little if the side doesn’t perform against Stawell Warriors in the preliminary final at Alexandra Oval, Ararat, on Saturday.
Up for grabs is a grand final spot against Horsham Saints on September 3.
Burras coach Jaye Macumber said the side was not disciplined enough in the semi-final loss to the Saints.
“They responded well on Tuesday night,” he said.
“Most put their hands up during the review and we expect them to be better this week.”
During the semi-final the Burras often broke down when kicking the ball into the side’s forward 50.
Macumber told his players they needed to be patient but he felt the game plan had not been followed through.
“We’ve got to be much better delivering the ball inside 50,” he said.
“They like to run the ball back out like the Saints.
“It’s a matter of being more disciplined and sticking to our game plan for a full four quarters.”
Stawell coach Brad Thomas will back his defence to rebound the ball and create scoring opportunities.
“A lot our goals come from turnovers,” he said.
“I encourage our boys to get forward because they do it well. I’ll back every one of them in their role because they know what to do and can use the ball well.”
Stawell’s good ball use was pivotal in its win against Horsham Demons on Sunday.
Thomas said his side felt in control for much of the match.
“There was a patch in the third quarter when the Demons might have got on top but credit to our guys for coming back again,” he said.
“Our best footy is happening right now and we have full belief that we can win.
“It’s the snowball effect, we’re gaining confidence and it just keeps growing.
“All the pressure is on Minyip-Murtoa; you can’t recruit like they did and not make the grand final.”
The spacious Alexandra oval will provide both sides plenty of opportunity to run.
“Both sides like to use open space,” Macumber said.
“It’s going to be one of those games where the contested football sets things up.
“The team that makes the most of its momentum swings and inside 50s will come out on top.”
For Thomas it’s all about how his side works together.
“It’s team defence and team pressure,” he said.
“We can not just rely on one or two players; it’s a whole team effort.”
