DON’T worry about current positions on the ladder, the Sunny Derby is always a big grudge match up on the Sunshine Coast.
By Terry Wilson
Maroochy-Northshore and arch rivals Noosa do battle again on Saturday and Tiger coach Wayne Fletcher is ignoring the4 plight of the Roos, who have just one win under their belt for the season after a mass exodus of talent in the off-season.
Asked if the derby had lost some of its gloss this season because of the fall of Maroochy, Fletcher replied: “It doesn’t matter, they’re still archrivals and there is still a lot of history there.
“It doesn’t really matter where you are on the ladder, teams can rise to the occasion.”
The fact Maroochy have regained some much-needed experience and ability adds to their chances of springing an upset, especially on the main oval at Fisherman’s Road, which has not been played on at all this year because of wet weather.
“We had eight outs last weekend, this time we have seven ins,” said Roos coach Roger Delaney.
“We’re looking forward to it. It’s exciting playing Noosa.”
Additions to the Maroochy side are captain David Hulsman, Shaun McKenzie, Kane Tyson, Matt Cilia, David Moore and under-18 Jim Colman, while Scott Hay is back at the club from Caloundra.
Noosa have a very big in, that being ruckman Peter Trompf, who has not played since breaking a thumb in round one.
He goes into the side in place of Troy Duke, an unlucky omission according to Fletcher after the Tigers won by 12 goals last weekend.
