Tara Murray
Lancefield needs to play consistent four quarter football if it’s to close the gap on the top sides in the Riddell District Football League.
The Tigers are coming off their best season in a number of years, which included beating Riddell for the first time since 2010.
Tigers coach Tim Bannan said they believed that they could build on last year.
“We are in a better position than last year,” he said. “We had a much better year last year and there is still room for improvement.
“We have more depth than last season and have guys that can come into the senior squad and play a role for us.”
“For us we want to make finals or be thereabouts. We see that as a pass mark.”
The Tigers have been hit with some injuries early which haven’t helped their cause though.
Ben Radford will miss most of the season while they’re waiting for scans on Corey Reid’s ankle.
Matt Bowden missed round one with a hamstring injury, but Bannan was hopeful he would be back to face Woodend-Hesket.
The Tigers, who had a bye on the weekend, started the season the week before with a loss to Diggers Rest.
Bannan said there were mixed feelings out of the game.
“To be honest we played some good footy in the first quarter, the second quarter we went back to our old ways,” he said.,
“We allowed them to score easily from stoppages. If we can clean that up and work on our skill errors, we will be a lot more competitive.
“We played a few more kids through the seniors which was really good to see. Our brand can stand up, we just have to sustain it for four quarters.”
While the Tigers had the bye, there was still plenty of action on Saturday.
Wallan caused an early upset, knocking off last season’s premiers, Diggers Rest.
The Magpies led by 16 points at quarter time and kept the margin at that three goal range at half time.
Four goals to one in the third quarter sealed the win for the Magpies, 14.12 (96)-10.5 (65).
Riddell made it two from two in a low scoring affair against Kyneton, winning 7.13 (55)-3.8 (26).
Romsey also remains undefeated, sneaking home against Melton Centrals.
Centrals in their first game for the season led at each of the three breaks, before three goals to two in the final quarter got Romsey the 10.8 (68)-10.5 (65) win.
Tara Murray
