Northcote prepares for must-win final-round clash with season on the line
Northcote players delivered some home truths this week as they prepare for a must-win final-round clash against Footscray to avoid a deja vu nightmare.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Northcote’s destiny is in its own hands.
Players delivered some home truths this week as the Dragons face a nightmare post-Christmas collapse for the second Premier Cricket season in a row.
The club secured six wins and a draw in the opening eight rounds but have tasted victory just once since, falling from third place to eighth with one match remaining.
A win over Footscray at Bill Lawry Oval on Saturday would secure a finals berth but a fifth straight defeat would spell disaster.
It’s deja vu after a similar collapse last season saw them finish ninth by two point.
Northcote coach Warren Pereara said the players were seeing it as an opportunity.
“There’s two ways you can look at it – it’s frustrating because a month ago we were third or fourth and now we’re eighth, but the destiny is in our hands,” he said.
“We had a bit of a meeting last night and the (playing) group very much led the meeting and said it’s a great opportunity.
“There’s an opportunity to play your best cricket for the next seven hours on Saturday and that gets you through and you never know what happens what happens in three or four weeks time.
“It was about delivering some home truths and most importantly having some plans for the coming week.
“We know it’s there, it’s not a skill thing, guys just need to re-energise themselves and back their ability.”
It what would be a timely boost, Victoria star Matt Short could be available for the clash ahead of the Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania.
Short hasn’t featured at all for Northcote this season and was one of the form players in the Big Bash League with Adelaide Strikers.
If the talented all-rounder isn’t available, Northcote could look to shake things.
The Dragons haven’t been far away; losing to Geelong by just 13 runs, collapsing against Dandenong in a two-run loss and losing to Casey-South Melbourne by four wickets before a poor 59-run to Melbourne University last weekend.
Greater opportunities could be given to middle order batsmen Jaga Koduru and Jack Lalor while paceman Mickey Edwards is expected to return from a shoulder injury after getting through unscathed in the Seconds.
“All those things are on the table,” Pereara said.
“We can change a few things around, that will be looked at but it hasn’t been finalised that.
“We potentially might have Matty Short available, we’re not 100 per cent sure yet.
“Mickey Edwards came back from injury – he did a shoulder against Richmond – he played in the twos last week, got through and got through well.
“All of a sudden we’ve got some depth back, which is great.
ELITE XI: SUBBIES TEAM OF THE SEASON 2021-22
LEADER: GET YOUR PREMIER CRICKET NEWS HERE
PREMIER: HAWKS CRACK DOWN ON MANKAD PAIR
“Things can change extremely quickly, you might only be a shot away or a partnership away from changing things.”
Northcote’s First XI isn’t the only grade fighting for its season.
The Dragons’ Second and Third XIs both sit in ninth needing final-round victories to make the top eight.
The Seconds are three points behind Ringwood, which plays St Kilda, while the Thirds are level on points with Richmond, two points behind Carlton and four behind St Kilda, with the Tigers and Blues facing each other.
UK stint, cricket partner behind Premier Cricket’s next big thing
This emerging talent has come from the clouds with two tons in as many innings to start the season. He reflects on what’s changed and the help from his Premier Cricket partner.
GCA wrap: Club breaks 995-day drought, Warriors win thriller
After 33 games without a win, Marshall Bears have broken their drought in emphatic fashion. Plus, a skipper has led his side to a thrilling win. See how the GCA2, 3 and 4 action unfolded here.