THE Dandenong Stingrays will enter Sunday afternoon’s qualifying final wary of the “talented” Murray Bushrangers forward line.
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Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler said he was anticipating a tight contest between the Bushrangers’ forwards and Dandenong’s highly rated backline.
“Our strength is in our backline, they don’t make a lot of fuss, they just get out there and do their job,” Wheeler said.
“We’ve got a fair bit of versatility down there, which we’ll need to counter the size and strength of some of the Bushrangers.”
Dandenong prevailed in the earlier round 13 clash by 31-points, in a match that drew plenty of hype for the match-up between potential number one draft picks Josh Schache and Jacob Weitering.
Weitering took the points on an off day for the Bushrangers, and Wheeler said he wasn't expecting a repeat performance.
“We were pretty good the last time we played, it was one of our best games for the season,” Wheeler said.
“I’m not sure the Bushrangers had their best game though, so we’re expecting them to come out pretty hard.
“They’re a strong and talented team.”
Fans and recruiters will be forced to wait for a rematch between Schache and Weitering though, with Kieran Collins most likely to get the job on the Seymour forward at the opening siren.
Collins is just as likely to be moved into the forward line at some stage though, having proven himself as a capable swingman at various stages throughout the season.
Matchup considerations aside, Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier wanted his side to get the little things right, and backed his side to get a positive result if they did so.
“Any teams that does the basics better, and for longer, gives themselves a much bigger chance of winning,” Ogier said.
“I’m expecting a fairly combative and competitive game.
“We’ll have to make the most of our opportunities to get over the line.”
David Mennen continues to showcase his versatility at TAC Cup level, named on the wing after stints both forward and back this season, while Nick Coughlan would be expected to provide plenty of leadership alongside Mennen.
“Nick (Coughlan) has led the backline really well throughout the season, and Mennen bring experience to the table as well,” Ogier said.
“Dandenong are a long kicking side, so we need to do our best to pressure the ball carrier and try and cut the ball off as it comes in as best we can.”
The Bushies play at IKON Park at 2pm on Sunday.
