FORTUNES off the field appear to have given Springwood the edge in the battle of the improvers against Maroochy-Northshore on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.
By Terry Wilson
While Maroochy have lost two hugely influential players – ruckman Tyson Williams and centreman Kane Tyson – Springwood should be buoyed by the availability o a number of prime movers, none the least being roving captain Shane Murrihy.
And, coming off as good win over Coolangatta last round, the Pumas are confident they can improve on their ordinary record on the road this year.
“We’re looking to build on last week because that was one of our better games,” said Springwood coach Paul Opbroek..
“But we really haven’t played well away yet, so we’re looking to turn that record around.”
Springwood have four changes, bringing in Murrihy, wingman Matt Hendrie, Jack Wallis, a forward from the reserves, and Jarrad Fitzpatrck, a utility from the under-18s for his seniors debut.
Out are Zac Minas (unavailable), Taylor Pezzelato (broken finger), Adrian Sipple (calf), and Jye Hall, who has gone back to the under-18s.
Maroochy coach Roger Delaney said it was disappointing for the Roos to lose two such highly-rated performers as Williams and Tyson, as well as under-18 Damien Chapman, who Delaney said has been good in his seniors appearances.
The Roos have included a first-gamer in under-18 Dylan Weichart, the fifth tiem the club has done such in this development season.
“That’s good for us – and they’ve all acquitted themselves well,” said Delaney.
This may be a match between sides placed ninth (Springwood) and 10th on the ladder but it should be interesting given both sides are rebuilding and have been playing with plenty of spirit in recent weeks.
