Redland hope to ride the infectious wave of momentum generated by the Bombers’ stirring win in Alice Springs last Saturday.
Thursday 8 July 2010
The euphoric come-from-behind win over the Northern Territory in Alice Springs last weekend could be the spark that inspires the Redland Bombers to make a charge at the QAFL finals.
The Bombers have sat outside the top five since Round 4 and looked to be sliding into September obscurity when they lost at Aspley a fortnight ago.
However, the thrilling 10-point win last Saturday has engendered plenty of optimism out at Victoria Point.
“The feeling and the mateship when the boys were coming off the ground was just phenomenal,” said Bombers coach Matty Francis said.
“It really solidified why you play this game.
“We had travelled 3000km and were four goals down at halftime, and to turn that around, I hope it sparks something special.
“This win will hopefully help us reach our potential. It has to come from within the group, but there are some really good signs there.”
Rapidly-improving midfielder Jamie Hackett was the star of the victory alongside another Redland junior Adam Mueller and big-name recruit Scott Clouston.
Clouston took a staggering 22 marks and bagged five goals in a best afield performance, with his two teammates not far behind.
Francis will be looking for a similarly determined effort when the Bombers face winless bottom team the Western Magpies at Victoria Point on Saturday.
The Bombers desperately need to boost their percentage with five teams fighting for the last two spots in the top five over the next six weeks.
The Magpies were thumped by Aspley by 77 points last weekend, a week after a gutsy effort against powerhouse Southport, and they were level with the Bombers going into the last quarter of their first round clash in April.
“We haven’t had any big wins, although we haven’t had any big losses, and we can’t afford to take the Magpies lightly,” Francis said.
“But by the same token, percentage is going to be very important and we have to look at that.”
