“ONE week at a time” is a well-worn cliche among football coaches and Rutherglen’s Karl Jacka is no different.
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There’s not a chance Jacka will under-estimate fierce rival Wahgunyah when the sides lock horns at Barkly Park on Saturday.
The trouble is, with Tallangatta breathing down Rutherglen’s neck on the ladder, Jacka can’t help but have half an eye on the round 13 showdown between the fifth-placed Cats and sixth-placed Hoppers as well.
“It’s hard not to look ahead because of how tight the competition is,” he said.
“We’ve got seven games to go and three of those are against sides in the top six so we have a lot of work to do just to make sure we make finals.
“We’re unbelievably aware of the fact that we are going to have to find a way to get a result this weekend first and foremost.
“I found out straight away last year how big the rivalry is between Rutherglen and Wahgunyah.”
Both sides are coming off big victories with the Cats thumping Chiltern and Wahgunyah easily accounting for Yackandandah last round.
Bobby Griffiths kicked seven goals against the Swans in a sign he is returning to full fitness and the Cats will get a further boost with Jak Hancock’s return against the Lions.
Heath Northey, Dylan Cook and Dean Skinner have been in good form for Wahgunyah and will command respect from the Cats heirarchy.
Wodonga Saints will chase their first win of the season when they host Dederang-Mt Beauty at Martin Park.
The Bombers saluted by 14 points in round one but Saints coach Troy Vennix will have a full team to pick from for the first time with Chris Beswick and captain James Ryan among those to return on Saturday.
“We’re going to have 17 blokes miss out on a game this weekend which is a problem I haven’t had in my time at the club,” Vennix said.
“We can’t wait.”