KANIVA-LEEOR United will run back onto its rejuvenated Kaniva ground on Saturday to take on Border Districts in round 13 of the Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara Football League.
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The Panthers return from a by and coach Nick Murphy, while optimistic about the game, said the team would take it one step at a time.
Murphy said he was disappointed with the Panthers’ round 11 loss to Keith.
“The week off has been about reflection and looking at where we want to go for the rest of the season. We hope to start a good run with a big win against Border Districts,” he said.
“I’ve been really impressed by how quickly the players have improved with their understanding of the structures.”
Murphy also said his side matched with the finals-bound Keith n many areas.
“I would love to see a four-quarter effort. We matched Keith in all other areas of the game,” he said.
“These past two weeks have been good to look back on. We have high standards at the club and (the team) wants to deliver.”
Murphy said the Panthers’ skills under pressure had improved.
He said each player had stepped up.
“They have a real thirst for improvement and they are all excited with the direction the club is going. It is great to see they all want to be apart of it,” Murphy said.
“Liam Vivian is having a terrific season and Josh La Rocca has been training very hard. He is seeing the reward on game day. He has improved out-of-sight.”
Border Districts have an injury-ridden list and has blooded many players among senior football ranks in 2017.
Border Districts coach Darrin Wilson said several players could return from injury for the match-up.
“It would be nice to kick some more goals instead of points,” he said.
In their previous game against Naracoorte, Border Districts scored 2.13 (25) for the entire game.
By halftime the team had scored nine points and one goal.
Wilson said his side was struggling.
“We will go out each week and really try our best. We play a strong quarter here and there but this year is about development for us and getting games into the young lads,” he said.
“I expect the game to be a tough grind.”
Wilson said he was approaching each quarter as it comes and helping his charges to mould and gel.
“That’s where we are at,” he said.
