General News
24 July, 2019
Power delivers masterclass
KOLORA Noorat is preparing for its “biggest” game of the season this weekend when it faces Nirranda in a top of the table clash at Nirranda.
KOLORA Noorat is preparing for its “biggest” game of the season this weekend when it faces Nirranda in a top of the table clash at Nirranda.
The match between the Power and the Blues could be an early insight into a potential grand final showdown between the two sides given the pair also played out a thriller early in the season at Noorat.
Power coach Ben Walsh said his group was looking forward to taking on the reigning premiers on their home deck.
“It’s the biggest one of the year, top spot is on the line and I know the boys are excited because it’s a massive challenge playing Nirranda at Nirranda,” he said.
“It’s probably going to be a little bit wet underfoot but it will probably be played at a finals like intensity so we’re looking forward to it.
“I think they’d be the same too, they love playing these big games and we’ve had some really good battles with them over the past couple of years so we can’t wait for it.”
The Power brushed up for the top of the table battle with a comfortable 25.31 (181) to 1.2 (8) victory over Dennington last Saturday.
Walsh said the Power “were really happy with how we played” and used the contest to sharpen themselves up for some forthcoming big games.
He said in the second half they trialled scenarios and combinations to better prepare his players for any unforeseen situations that may arise in the games that lie ahead of them.
“The theme of the day was to do the things we wanted to do in those big games and to do those things really well without putting our form or momentum at risk,” he said.
“The boys were great with that, they were pretty relentless all day and we put the scoreboard to the side and focussed on a few little different things too.
“It was just a few little scenarios we threw at the players and a few little combinations if we get ourselves in situations where things aren’t working or need changing over the next month.
“I guess we were practicing it and trialling it (under match conditions) while still making sure we focussed on the way we moved the ball.”
Walsh said the Power’s older heads led the way for his side in the victory, with Brad Johnson, Jason Moloney and Ben Fraser all starring after missing games throughout the season.
“Brad Johnson was really good, he’s missed a bit of footy so we’re starting to get him going in the midfield and Nick Bourke was good as well,” he said.
“And older guys like Jason Moloney and Ben Fraser, they’ve all missed some footy, but they’re running on top of the ground which is fantastic.”
Meanwhile, Kolora Noorat last week announced Walsh had re-signed for a second year as coach of the club.
Walsh said he took some time to contemplate the decision but was thrilled to return to lead the Power again in 2020.
“I just weighed a few things up with the family and the time commitment but in terms of the club, I’m loving it and I’m really enjoying this year,” he said.
“I weighed all those things up and it was a pretty easy and straightforward decision to make, so it’s nice to have it out of the way so we can focus on this year.”