OSBORNE coach Matt Rava isn’t taking anything for granted ahead of Saturday’s clash against Billabong Crows at Osborne.
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The Cats ended a five-match losing streak last weekend to consolidate their spot in the top six and Rava says it’s crucial to back up the performance.
“If we’re on we can match it with all the sides but there is no room for complacency this season,” Rava said.
“It’s too tight.
“There are still three sides in the mix for sixth spot and the Crows are one of them.
“We have to win this week.”
While Osborne fell away with five straight losses, personnel was a problem with Rava, Jamie Parr, Sam Rutland and Andrew Johnston missing weeks.
Parr (knee) is the only player still missing and he resumed training a fortnight ago.
“We had a few key blokes out but we were building during those weeks and our performances against Jindera and Brock-Burrum weren’t too bad even though we lost,” he said.
“’Parry’ is recovering well and looks like he’s getting closer.
“He’s a big part of the side so we don’t want to rush him back.”
Billabong Crows bounced back into finals calculations last weekend by defeating Culcairn and the big is their favour is the draw.
They meet the Cats, Rand-Walbundrie-Walla, Lockhart and CDHBU in the final four rounds.
Experienced backmen Al Austin and Luke Kuschert should hold Osborne’s key forwards but the worry for the Crow’ is the home team’s fleet of running players in the midfield.
Lockhart should avenge its opening round loss to Culcairn by turning the tables at Lockhart.
The Demons still have finals aspirations and Jordan Harrington, Andrew Emery and Jeremy Sykes should get them over the line.
Emery has been outstanding in defence and could get the job of closing down in-form Culcairn spearhead Trent Peryzk.
Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock will notch up its 15th straight win by defeating Henty at Brocklesby.
The Swampies have only managed two majors against top-six sides CDHBU and Osborne in recent weeks and they will struggle to crack the home team’s defence.
CDHBU will have the answers against an improving Holbrook at Coreen.
Murray Magpies should continue their winning run at the expense of Rand-Walbundrie-Walla at Walla.
Jesse Johnston terrorised the Giants in round six and again shapes as a handful.
Meanwhile, RWW will hold reunions for Rand’s 1966 and 1996 junior premierships at Rand on August 6.