Sturt skipper Michael Coad returns to form in 15-point win over Eagles
THE true Michael Coad has started making a significant statement and the form which earned him a crack at the AFL has returned.
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THE true Michael Coad has started making a significant statement and the form which earned him a crack at the AFL has returned.
Coad was outstanding in defence for the Doubles Blues in their 15-point triumph over Woodville-West Torrens at Woodville on Saturday, proving he was finally free of the injury woes that have plagued his 2013 season.
Not only did he shut down many threatening Eagles' forays, Coad unsettled opposition forwards with his aggressive tactics.
Double Blues coach Seamus Maloney described the win as the team's best for the season and he was full of praise for the experienced utility.
"Michael had a shoulder dislocation in the preseason then had an ankle problem and then a hip,'' Maloney said.
"He missed a lot of training trying to get himself to play.
"He has been able to get some continuity at training in the past four or five weeks and his form against the Eagles was superb.''
The Double Blues showed tremendous passion for the contest and unsettled the Eagles with their fierce attack on both the football and body.
"You can get a feel early and I thought we were pretty sharp,'' Maloney said.
"In the past eight weeks we have got more consistent on that defensive pressure.
"Everyone talks about it and for us it is a clear indicator whether we are in a contest and then it is about taking your chances.
"There were some big tackles early and Tim McIntyre set the tone with some pressure acts.
"The third quarter was as good a footy as we have played all year."
The Double Blues restricted the Eagles to just four behinds for the third term, despite the home side having the wind at its back.
Now Maloney will demand the same pressure when the Double Blues tackle West Adelaide at Richmond on Saturday.
"Our good chunk of footy started when we played well against West Adelaide at home and were beaten by only a goal,'' he said.
"I expect to be right in there against Westies.
"As long as we get into the game on the back of things which work well for us.
"We have to set up how we want to and put pressure on.
"We were at it pretty well last time we played them and we need to bring that same pressure.''