AUSTRALIAN RULES
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THOUGH they are almost certain to win if this season’s results are anything to go by, the Bathurst Bushrangers can expect a tougher fight from the Cowra Blues tomorrow than what they have had in their recent encounters.
The Bushrangers return to Mulyan Oval for the first time since round one, when they won by 57 points in their Central West AFL season opener.
In two clashes since then, the Bathurst team have destroyed the once mighty Cowra team, by 128 and 154 points.
The second of those matches, three weeks ago in Bathurst, saw the game called off with nearly a quarter to play as an understrength Blues team couldn’t muster the numbers to continue.
In terms of player availability, Cowra shouldn’t have the same sort of difficulty tomorrow but the difference in standard between the two sides makes it hard to imagine anything other than a Bathurst win.
“We’re still just talking about progression and picking things up each week, tidying up our disposals and centre clearances in the middle of the field,” Bushrangers co-coach Brett Archer said.
“The win over Dubbo last weekend [by 187 points] was pretty good and by all reports from the players it was our best performance for a while, so we are getting to where we want to be to have a crack at Orange.
“Cowra will be stronger at home, there’s no doubt about that, so regardless of the scoreboard I’d be at least expecting a good, physical game. Fingers crossed it happens, but you can only turn up and see what you’re up against.”
Injuries and unavailability through university holidays have put Archer’s plans on hold as he tries to settle on his best team going towards the finals, but the issues are starting to sort themselves out.
Harry Bowden will be a welcome inclusion at some stage in the coming weeks while key midfielder Nathan Belbin looks set to come back into the side tomorrow.
Bowden will add to a potency up forward that the team looked to be lacking not too long ago.
Sebastian Matheson (five), Michael Long (five) and Cameron Richards (four) each kicked a bag of goals against Dubbo and look like they have formed a strong combination in the forward 50.
“Harry is looking fit, I might have written him off a bit early with his injury and he will certainly come straight back in as soon as he’s 100 per cent,” Archer said.
“Nathan Belbin has been out for three weeks but should be right for this week we’re hoping, and Tom Galloway is another who has been out but we think will be back sooner rather than later.
“Things are looking good up forward. Sebastian was excellent last weekend, Cam was a bit sloppy in front of goal and could have kicked 10 or 12 really if he was a bit more accurate.
“Michael Long just looks so sharp there at the moment and any time he gets a half-chance, he is onto it and kicking goals.”
Tomorrow’s match gets underway at 2.30pm.