Swans looking up

MAROOCHYDORE finished runner-up in last year's Caloundra RSL Premiership race, falling to a dominant Noosa in the grand final.

Maroochydore’s Cole Dalton goes for a run against Caloundra. Picture: Brett Wortman

MAROOCHYDORE finished runner-up in last year’s Caloundra RSL Premiership race, falling to a dominant Noosa in the grand final.

This year, Swans captain Brad James says his team is in a better position to challenge for the title.

Maroochydore has the chance to sew up third position and a home semi-final when it hosts Caloundra tomorrow at Cotton Tree Oval.

A win would also give the Swans some hope of unseating Noosa from second spot.

University is the clear-cut leader on 59 points from Noosa (50) and Maroochydore (46). Caloundra is on 33 points and Caboolture (26) is fifth.

James said a top-three place would be ideal and a top-two spot, which yields a double chance in the finals, a bonus.

“Everyone’s trying to secure a spot in the top four to try and make a run to the finals,” he said.

“We’ve got Uni the week after, so we’re looking forward to a good showing (against Caloundra) to lead us into the big game.

“We need to win. Last time we played them at home they got us, so we’re looking to redeem ourselves.”

Caloundra beat Maroochydore by one point in round five before the Swans got vengeance with a two-point win at Lighthouse Park last month.

The Lighthouses were beaten 108-7 by University four weeks ago but James said Caloundra always lifted for the derby.

“We don’t look into it (past results) too much,” he added.

“Caloundra treat matches against us as a grand final. There’s a big rivalry between the clubs and every time we play Caloundra it’s a big game.”

James said the Swans had more depth this season heading into the business end.

“We’re probably in the same position (as last year), but we’ve got a lot less injuries,” he said.

“This year we have a lot more depth, and injuries aren’t a big issue.”

Originally published as Swans looking up