THEY’RE the only side to take down AFL Central West leader Orange Tigers this season but can the Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels make lightning strike twice?
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Rebels’ 11-point win over Orange remains the Tigers’ only blemish on what’s been a big season for them.
Two weeks ago, in horrible conditions, Tigers grounded out a win at home against the Rebels to extend their lead on the ladder to eight points.
In another top-of-the-table meeting between the two teams Rebels will need to play to their strengths in order to repeat their earlier success over the Tigers.
Rebels co-coach Steve Grundy is confident his team will get that opportunity thanks to a cold but clear day of weather predicted in Orange.
“I think in nice, clear conditions it will favour the way we play a little bit,” he said.
“We’ve got to focus on coming out of the blocks, starting well and sticking to our structures. Something we’ve worked on the last couple of weeks is playing the full four quarters and minimising the lulls.
“It’s been a competitive season and that gives us that added incentive – not that we need it. We always look forward to playing Orange and I’m sure they always look forward to playing us.”
Tigers have gone on a four-game winning run since the loss to the Rebels.
In that previous match against the Bathurst men the Tigers were dominated across the park over the opening three quarters.
A late fight back wasn’t enough to keep their unbeaten record intact.
“If we’ve done it once we know it’s possible to do it again,” Grundy said.
“We played over there two weeks ago in some of the worst conditions ever so I think both teams will be looking forward to a nice clear day and hopefully both teams will have most people available so we can see what each of us are made of.”
Match starts 2.30pm.
If we’ve done it once we know it’s possible to do it again.
- Steve Grundy
