Sturt coach Seamus Maloney pushes defensive message for clash with North Adelaide at Prospect

DEFENSIVE intensity for four quarters will be Sturt coach Seamus Maloney’s message to his players for Saturday’s clash with North.

DEFENSIVE intensity for four quarters will be the emphasis of Sturt coach Seamus Maloney’s message to his players for Saturday’s clash against North Adelaide at Prospect Oval.

Maloney said his side was punished by Woodville-West Torrens last weekend when it failed to deliver a four-quarter effort.

“The Eagles are a good side and they made us pay,’’ Maloney said.

“For us it is about defensive intensity for four quarters - that is the real key. When we do that we are rock solid.

“We have to have that high intensity to defend all over the ground.’’

Defensive pressure was a crucial ingredient in the Double Blues opening the season with three wins before losing to the Eagles by six points at Unley.

The Roosters, coming off a gritty win over Norwood in the Anzac Day match, thrive on a running game and pressure at the contest will be important for the Double Blues to slow their opponent’s movement.

“North has been impressive and they have big, strong blokes who contest well,’’ Maloney said. “They run the ball aggressively.’’

The Double Blues have lost Tom Harms for several weeks because of a hamstring injury and he has been replaced by Patrick Wilson.

Stephen Tahana will make his league debut for the Roosters if he survives the final cull. Campbell Combe, Andy Read, Jarrod Stokes and Luke Teasdale are also options to come into the side as replacements for Sam De Leonardis (ankle), Jesse O’Brien (groin) and Ben Williams (suspension).