SANFL coaches have their final word on the eve of the second round
The pressure is already on some SANFL coaches to find answers after losses in the opening round, while a few clubs will have had their confidence boosted. Hear the coaches’ last word ahead of Round 2.
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THE SANFL season kicked off with a bang last weekend.
Port Adelaide, Norwood, South Adelaide, Woodville-West Torrens and Adelaide would have been feeling pretty good about themselves this week, while there are already concerns for Central District.
Sturt needs a response following the loss to the Crows and West Adelaide will be determined to make a statement at Prospect Oval after being smashed in the corresponding game last year.
Glenelg won its final six games last season and the Tigers took that form into the season opener when it seriously challenged the Redlegs at The Parade in a contest which could have gone either way.
So what do the coaches think as they approach the second round?
Glenelg v Adelaide
ACH Group Stadium, Glenelg, Friday, 7.20pm
Glenelg coach Mark Stone
Q: Despite the loss to Norwood, were you encouraged with what you saw from your side?
A: There were some encouraging signs, particularly with our endeavour at the contest and also how quickly our group has gelled together, given we had seven new players. But there were aspects of our game that just have to get better if we’re going to consistently compete with the top teams. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best.
Adelaide coach Heath Younie
Q: The side would have taken a lot of confidence out of last week?
A: “We were really please by the performance last weekend against Sturt. Hopefully it demonstrates to our players the work they put in over the pre-season has set them up for a good season. We understand tonight presents a different challenge and one the players are excited about.”
North Adelaide v West Adelaide
Prospect Oval, Saturday, 1.10pm
North coach Josh Carr
Q: What areas are you looking to improve from the opening round?
A: We weren’t great defensively last weekend. We have to be better at getting the ball off opposition teams quicker. We also need to finish off our work with our skills and goal kicking.
West coach Gavin Colville
Q: This game last season was a nightmare for the Bloods. Why are you confident that won’t be repeated?
A: We are not the same team as last year. We come into the game more certain of our offensive and defensive structures and are a mature outfit. We will be ready.
Central District v Norwood
X Convenience Oval, Elizabeth, Saturday, 1.10pm
Central coach Roy Laird
Q: You said last week’s effort against South came as a shock?
A: We are better than that and we did not see it coming, to put in a last quarter effort like that.
Q: How has training been this week?
A: It has been fairly intense and we have gone through the vision from the South game in fine detail.
Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton
Q: Do you feel more comfortable with your game plan on a bigger oval such as Elizabeth?
A: Not really, I think our game style holds up on most grounds. We just have to bring the right level of effort and intensity.
Port Adelaide v South Adelaide
Alberton Oval, Saturday, 2.10pm
Port coach Matthew Lokan
Q: Having Jarrod Lienert back must be a bonus after the side impressed in the first round?
A: Jarrod was in good form in the AFL side when he got injured so he will definitely be a welcome addition to the side as he regains touch on his way to full fitness.
South coach Jarrad Wright
Q: Malcolm Karpany will make his debut for the Panthers. What will he bring to the team?
A: We are excited to see him display his elite work rate and speed, which will provide oppositions with headaches on defence and offence.
Sturt v Eagles
Peter Motley Oval, Unley, Saturday, 2.40pm
Sturt coach Nathan Grima
Q: You were concerned with the movement into attack and the forward line against Adelaide. Can the inclusion of Jake Sutcliffe make you more direct?
A: We had more time in forward half and more inside 50s than our opposition last week however our last kick inside 50 was poor. This was due to some skill execution and method, but also Adelaide’s ability to force our entries shallow or wide. We have worked hard this week on our forward structure and the type of entries we need. We are confident Ben Hansen and Jake Sutcliffe will give us a different look ahead of the ball also.
Eagles coach Sam Lonergan
Q: The Eagles have been hit by injury, but you have brought in some quality talent. Is that a reflection of the tremendous depth at the club?
A: We value total club development and have invested many hours into our senior and junior programs. This gives us great confidence that we can select a number of players that can play a role for the team.
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