Tara Murray
Lancefield has taken massive steps forward this Riddell District Football League this season, the next step is finishing off games.
The Tigers have won one of their first seven games, but have been in games for longer this season, without getting across the line.
Tigers coach Tim Bannan said there had been a lot of positives so far.
“We’ve had opportunities, ample opportunities but we haven’t worked out how to finish off games,” he said.
“We have lost a few of our better players through injury which doesn’t help, but every side has injuries.
“It’s 15 minute periods that has cost us. We need to show a bit more belief and finish off games a lot better.”
Bannan said with the exception of the Diggers Rest match, they had been in every game for large periods of time.
He said they are now going into games thinking they are a chance, which wouldn’t have been the case 24 or even 12 months ago.
Bannan said it was a lack of composure and skill errors that were hurting them most, not a lack of fitness.
“We played Riddell which was riddled with injuries and thought we might have a chance,” he said.
“We gave them a five goal head start. The last two and half quarters we ended up winning.
“The mids are doing a good job as are the backs, we just need better delivery into our forward half.”
The Tigers injuries woes continued against Riddell with several more players injured. The biggest name was Tom Waters.
Bannan said Waters had really got back to his best football after stepping down from coaching, allowing him to just focus on playing.
“Tom has been super for us,” he said. “It now gives someone else an opportunity.
“Ben Sankey rucked the second half for us against Josh Grabham. He’s going to have to take a fair bit of the ruck which will be tough for a 17-year-old.”’
The Tigers had the weekend off with the King’s Birthday weekend.
Bannan said with their injuries it had come at a perfect time with seven or eight senior players out.
He said four or five would still be out for another month.
Off field it has been a big very weeks for the club celebrating its 150th birthday with a big function.
Bannan said it was pretty special to be apart of with so many former players returning to the club for the day.
The Tigers are back in action this Saturday against the win less Western Rams.
Bannan said there were no easy games in the competition and they needed to play four quarters of good football to get the win.
In other matches this Saturday, Macedon hosts Romsey, Diggers Rest will play Melton Centrals and Wallan plays Riddell.
