Wests forward fires up: ‘We need to get our act together’
Andrew Dunkley has challenged his team to be better or risk bowing out of the finals in straight sets.
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IT WAS an uncharacteristically ill-disciplined and sloppy Wests Tigers outfit which let itself down against Townsville Brothers last weekend.
The previously undefeated minor premiers lacked polish in the first half and were made to pay for their struggles.
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But that performance will not define Wests’ season, says front-rower Andrew Dunkley, even as some may clamour to claim the Tigers have set themselves up for a fall.
“It’s a bit of a kick in the bum – our first loss for the season. We really need to get our act together, pick up our discipline and get our game right,” Dunkley said.
“Our grand final has come a week early this year. It’s do-or-die. We have to get into it.”
An already bruised and battle-weary Wests would have enjoyed a week off prior to the grand final. Instead the football gods conspired against them, sending a fit and firing Carltons their way this Saturday.
The Red Devils were gifted a first-round finals bye thanks to Souths’ shock forfeit and are keen to cause an upset as their fairytale run continues.
In a big boost to Wests’ chances, the Tigers will welcome back Mackay Cutters forward Jack Brock to partner Dunkley in the middle after he missed the game against Townsville.
Dunkley said though the week off would have been nice, at this stage of the season the body has already absorbed its fair share of bumps regardless.
“I’m getting on a bit so I’m a bit sore. But I usually am this time of year anyway,” he said.
“Overall we’re a bit battered and sore, but that’s footy.
“We actually have a few people coming back that have had some weeks off, so our forward pack will be bolstered.”
After the disappointment of last year’s demoralising grand final loss to the Whitsunday Brahmans, Dunkley said the team had steeled itself to make amends this season from early in the year – rain, hail or coronavirus be damned.
With a chance at redemption just around the corner, the big front rower knows his side will do all it can to return to the big stage.
“Last year did hurt a bit. We’ve been thinking about it all year,” Dunkley said.
“It was never even a consideration for us to not play this year. We’re all really motivated to rip in.”
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