Sport
Mansfield's concentration put to the test as GVL footy returns, while Seymour is expected to close gap on top three in A-grade netball
Football and netball is back in the Goulburn Valley this weekend with Mansfield and Seymour to restart proceedings with a one-off clash at the Eagles’ nest.
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The match is the make up game from round three that was scheduled later in the year due to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo's change of dates.
In the football ranks, the Eagles will be looking to topple the premiership fancies to keep their season alive.
Mansfield is sitting in eighth spot, but is in a logjam in the middle of the ladder, where a draw is the only thing separating fifth to ninth.
If the Lions are toppled for the first time this season, the Eagles will jump into fifth spot, dropping Rochester, Mooroopna and Benalla down a rung on the ladder.
Eagles coach Chad Owens said the boys were excited to be back on the field.
“It's better playing than not playing,” Owens said.
“All the boys are pumped and they are all excited.
“We learnt a lot from the last time we played them.”
Last time around it was red-time goals that cost the home side, something it will be keen to fix this time around.
“We just need to keep emphasising the point of how important it is for them to stay in the game,” Owens said.
“We need to make sure we maintain our concentration for the length of the game.”
Trying to stop the visitors, who will be without Alex Rance, who lined up against the Eagles earlier this season, is no easy task, according to Owens.
“I think they are good in all areas,” he said.
“I don't think there is an easy way to play against them.
“They set up really well and are really well coached.
“Their back line is really strong and they have lots of avenues to goal in the front half and they share the load really well to be honest.”
In the A-grade netball clash, the reigning champs will be expected to knock off Mansfield and move within one game of the top three teams.
The Lions have only lost twice this season, but they were heavy defeats against Shepparton United and Echuca, the two teams who are above them on the table.
Seymour coach Ronni Hager said her team was glad to be back out on court.
“Playing any game is going to be a bonus,” Hager said.
“We're very grateful for the league to fit this game in.
“I wouldn't like to be in their shoes.”
Hager said she wouldn't be taking the Eagles lightly, especially on their home court.
“It will be anyone's game,” she said.
“If we are not in control or ready, I'm sure they are hungry.
“They'll be out there to play their best netty.
“Let's hope we have another good game.”
The young Mansfield side, which is looking for its second victory of the campaign, is also excited to be back.
“It will be a fairly, hotly-contested game, I would assume,” Eagles coach Simon Dolling said.
“It's been a bit of a whirlwind preparation-wise.
“Tonight (Thursday night) is the first time we have been able train.
“As much as anything, it will be the team to make the least amount of errors and that gets back into the flow of playing again that will come out on top.
“As much as we would like to go out and win, this weekend is more about getting out there and playing again.”
Dolling was impressed with his team's defence this season, despite recording just the one win
“We're a young group, but Nelle Cousins has been our most consistent this season,” he said.
“Along with Grace Hood, they have been our goal keeper and goal defence, and each week they have got better and better as the year has gone on.”
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