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KANIVA-LEEOR United has a new interim coach making tracks for the team in Nick Murphy.
Murphy took over in round 13 from A Grade coach Colin Macaffer. Macaffer was sacked by the club in June.
The Cougars enjoyed a win against Kingston in round 13.
With a bye in round 14, Saturday marks the Cougars next chance to stand out in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League, while Border Districts will come up against Padthaway at Frances.
The Cougars will come in as underdogs for the home game against second-placed Lucindale with a significant 36 points separating the two sides.
Murphy said Lucindale would be a challenge for his side, but he was putting new structures in place.
“Lucindale is a good team, they have a very talented midfield in kicking high scores,” he said.
“It will be a real challenge defensively for us.”
The last time the two sides went head-to-head in round four, the Cougars were defeated by 111 points.
“I’d like to mention that Colin did a terrific job in setting up the young fellows and putting them in such good stead,” Murphy said.
“I’ve been putting some new structures in place to close it down around the stoppages and stop the opposition scoring.
“Obviously winning is a big part of it. It helps the boys’ motivation, their trust in our structures and in our game plan.”
Murphy said the side was in good spirits ahead of the clash.
“Training has been terrific. I think it’s just learning something new being a young team,” he said.
The Cougars will present a relatively unchanged side from round 13.
Murphy said he would be looking to star Hamish Bennett and captain Joshua Jarred to lead the side.
“Hamish has been terrific in the ruck and has really set the standard for the team,” he said.
“I’ll be looking for a big game from Josh. His performance will set our level of intensity and effort.”