JEPARIT-RAINBOW coach Luke Murphy believes his side has what it takes to be the first team to defeat the Southern Mallee Giants when the two face off on Saturday.
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The Horsham District Football Netball League round 12 clash will be played at Hopetoun.
The Giants came away with a round one win against the Storm, in a game that showed the two sides would be finals contenders again in 2017.
The young footballers at the Giants have been standing out in recent weeks with Coleman Schache, Brock Orval, Sam Weddell and Sam White all stepping up.
Giants coach Shaun Monohan said it took the pressure off the older players.
“We haven’t changed what we have been working on,” he said.
“We are looking to start well after the bye, we will play the way we want to play.”
Monohan said he wasn’t concerned by the scoreboard, just about getting the win.
“Results come by themselves,” he said.
“Jeparit-Rainbow has always had a talented forward line so we will be looking to get on top of them in the middle to help our defence out.”
The Storm will receive some reinforcements in the upcoming fixture with co-coach Luke Murphy, Luke Werner and Jakob Cocks all returning from injury.
Murphy said the midfield would benefit from the additions.
“It’s all about consistency, we haven’t played four quarters of football yet this season,” he said.
The Giants have been dominant in every area on the oval and Murphy said his side could win by keeping its cool and sticking to the game-plan.
“Our ball use needs a bit of work, all the boys are sound in their skills but they need to realise it’s what you do off the ball that wins games,” Murphy said.
Murphy said Peter Weir would be a key player in the match-up.
“He’s been playing well and can do a good job on Kain Robins,” he said.
Robins has amassed 71 goals so far in the 2017 season.
One of the premier ruck-men in the division, Sam Cranna has also continued to shine.
He has helped his midfield brigade gain an opportunity to get their hands on the ball before the opposition.
Giants captain Rory Shannon will play his 200th senior game for the club against on Saturday.
Southern Mallee Giant will celebrate the anniversary of the 1967 and 1977 Yapeet senior premierships.
