THURGOONA coach Jason Sheather says the Bulldogs have moved on from last weekend’s heartbreaking loss and are focused on bringing down Mitta United in Saturday’s preliminary final at Sandy Creek.
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Sheather said his team had concentrated on its strong performance for 3½ quarters against Kiewa-Sandy Creek rather than the lapse that saw the Hawks slam on four goals in the final 10 minutes.
“It’s onwards and upwards,” Sheather said yesterday.
“It was disappointing but we got over it pretty quickly.
“There is no use looking back.
“They finished off well but for the best part of the game we played well.
“Our focus is on Mitta now.”
Thurgoona looks set to regain captain Mark Haydon for the clash after he sat out last weekend’s loss with a foot injury, while Mitta United faces a dilemma on whether to promote Tom Turner or Paul Giltrap from reserve grade.
Whatever happens at the selection table, there are likely to be few surprises given it will be the third time they played each other since August 16.
“Both sides have seen plenty of each other,” Sheather said.
“They are well versed.
“Whether they swing it around or not I’m not too sure; we will just worry about ourselves.”
Thurgoona’s match-ups were spot on against Mitta United a fortnight ago and it would be a surprise if the Bulldogs didn’t target Tyson and Jarrod Gorupic and Aiden Adams again.
Nathan Reynoldson shapes as another dangerman, with his ability to push forward making him even more dangerous.
Gilson said Mitta United couldn’t afford to rely on a handful of players to get the job done.
“We need a better spread,” he said.
“Last time we relied on one or two players and that doesn’t work ... that was the big difference against Barnawartha.”
Thurgoona’s spread inside 50 makes it a difficult proposition with Sam Cross, Matt Fowler, Todd Miller and Kane Godde proven matchwinners.
Cross has carried his outstanding home and away form into the finals by kicking nine goals in two matches.