MYRTLEFORD won’t play finals this season.
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But co-coach Brad Murray says the Saints can right the wrongs of last season when the Ovens and Murray club limped to the end of the home and away series with some embarrassing losses.
Myrtleford has been on an upward curve since defeating Wodonga in round seven and Murray said yesterday he was confident of holding that form until the end of August.
“The boys have been really good even though last weekend was disappointing because we were right in the game but couldn’t get over the line,” Murray said.
“I’m happy with the development and you can see the group has more belief in its ability.
“The challenge is to maintain it because last year we fell away badly towards the end of the year.
“That’s our focus from here.
“We still have a lot to play for.”
Myrtleford has gone win, loss, win, win, loss and loss since May 31, with two of those defeats — against Wangaratta Rovers and Wangaratta — being by less than 15 points.
Murray expects today’s clash against Yarrawonga at McNamara Reserve to be a tougher proposition.
“It’s a big challenge,” Murray said.
“It will be a bit wet which will even things out a little bit but we will have to play well to get close.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge on our own deck.
“It’s been pretty cold here so hopefully that gets into their heads a bit.
“We will just go as hard as we can.”
Myrtleford’s cause will be helped by the fact Yarrawonga will be missing key forwards Brendan Fevola and Brad O’Connor.
Fevola and O’Connor are first and third on the Pigeons’ goalkicking list with 59 and 24 majors this season, which means Kayne Pettifer will shoulder enormous responsibility inside 50 metres.
But Murray is more concerned with how his players shape up.
“I thought we were good for a half against Yarrawonga last time before being blown away,” he said.