Top two in its sights

Friday, July 30, 2010

Echuca will be looking to post a big win and climb back into a top-two spot on the ladder when it travels to Shepparton to meet the Bears at Deakin Reserve tomorrow.

With finals looming near, a big win could boost the Murray Bombers into second spot, but a loss could be near-detrimental to their top-two aspirations.

``They are all-important,'' Echuca coach Brett Henderson said of the game.

``We have just got to win and hopefully win well and achieve all the goals that we have set ourselves the last few weeks.

``We are not going to contemplate the worst case scenario.''

The Bears are far from travelling well, still yet to win a game this season.

Their 14 losses losses have come by an average of 60 points and they are almost guaranteed the wooden spoon.

But, while confident of victory, Henderson said his Bombers would still have to put in the work.

``Every game they lose they get closer to a win,'' he said.

``We are coming up against a side that has had a pretty horrendous season but still has some quality players. We just need to prepare ourselves well.''

Henderson said this week and others coming would also be about improving on little aspects of the Bombers' game which need improving ahead of finals.

``Just probably our delivery, ball usage and decision making,'' he said naming a few.

``There is still heaps to improve on. But, it's a long process.''

Echuca has won three of its last four matches against Shepparton and is coming off an 89-point win over Benalla last week, while the Bears went down to Mansfield by 69 points last weekend.

Kristan Height returns for the Bombers after taking part in the Australian Country Football Championships last weekend but team-mate Brad Murray will miss after pulling up sore from the same carnival.