NFL 2018: Macleod accepts flag favouritism as it closes in on Division 1 minor premiership

MACLEOD acknowledges it must accept Northern Football League flag favouritism and the subsequent pressure which comes with that tag.

Macleod’s Daniel OBrien spoils in the nick of time against Northcote Park. Picture: Mark Dadswell

WITH great risk comes great reward.

Macleod coach Garry Ramsay acknowledges his side, which is destined for the Northern Football League Division 1 minor premiership, must accept flag favouritism and the subsequent pressure which comes with that tag.

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The Roos have strung together 11 consecutive wins since their opening-round loss to North Heidelberg, establishing a four-game gap at the top of the ladder.

“We are not going to run away from that pressure,” Ramsay said.
“The only way we can turn it around and win the flag is to put ourselves in a vulnerable position to lose three in a row.

“We are not scared of that. We’ll take on the challenge because that’s what needs to happen for us to win it.”

Macleod has lost grand finals to Bundoora and Heidelberg in the past two years and is chasing a berth in its fourth consecutive decider.

“We need to keep improving or else the others will catch us,” Ramsay said.

“Our list has to improve and that will be our focus, to be trying to improve each week to stay ahead.”

Macleod’s Daniel OBrien spoils in the nick of time against Northcote Park. Picture: Mark Dadswell

The Roos accounted for reigning premier Bundoora by eight points when they clashed in Round 7 and will host the Bulls this weekend.

Ramsay said he was confident the competition for senior games would keep his players motivated, regardless of when they sealed top spot.

“I would suggest we are going to have 28 fit senior footballers that all expect to play seniors,” he said.

“There’s going to be anything up to six disappointed players that miss out.

“I think the motivation will be heavily for blokes to hold their positions in the team.”

Ramsay will let his leadership group determine the best approach to the last month of the campaign as they plan for another tilt at glory.

“We have done some different things each year and I think the senior group will decide the extras we do and then enforce it,” he said.

Macleod accounted for Greensborough by 25 points on Saturday, enhancing its claim to red-hot flag favouritism.