YACKANDANDAH has emerged from the depths of their lacklustre 2014 season to become a serious finals contender this year.
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The Roos have already doubled their win tally from last year, sitting seventh on the ladder alongside Rutherglen with eight wins.
Sitting just one game behind fifth-placed Beechworth and fourth-placed Tallangatta, the club has seen enough from coaching duo Greg Newbold and Trent Castles to keep them on board for another year.
And after a slow start to the season, Castles thinks finals are well within reach.
“We believe we can make it,” Castles said.
“The kids in our side are starting to get to the 30-40 game mark, and their attitude is really impressive.
“They're well supported by a group of strong senior players as well, so we're well positioned for the future.”
The likes of Jake Fischer-Curnow, Josh Pan and Dan Surgeon have emerged from the thirds to add some depth, while full-back Sam Witherow was enjoying a breakout year until a knee injury in round 13.
While Castles admitted Witherow's absence had been a setback, he had more faith in the club's depth than ever before.
“Sam's season had been unbelievable until the injury, but we've got depth in key posts where we haven't before, so I'm happy with how we're running out.
“The biggest change has been in the attitude of our younger players.
“They've got a taste for winning after a lean couple of years, and they aren't likely to give it up any time soon.
“They're pushing hard, and we think we can take anyone on.”
The Roos face possibly their biggest test this season against a surprising Chiltern outfit that has emerged as one of Kiewa's biggest rivals.
The Swans succumbed to the Hawks by just one point in miserable conditions last Saturday, but Castles backed his young charges to cause an upset.
“We want to play finals this year, and we believe that with our list, we can be a threat to win the flag next year if we play our cards right,” Castles declared.
“We'll back ourselves to beat Chiltern in a one-on-one contest.
“Stopping their outside run will be really important, they've got plenty of players who can run and carry and use the ball well.
“We won't aim to shut any of their players down, we want the game on our terms.”
It's a must win game for the Roos if they hope to make finals a reality, with rivals Rutherglen entering their clash with Barnawartha as favourites.
The outcome of Beechworth's match against Tallangatta at Beechworth will also be critical.
