YENDA co-coach Tom Sellars isn’t worried about an early exit at the West Wyalong Knockout, despite the Blueheelers drawing defending champion Albury Thunder in the first round on Friday.
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The Blueheelers are one of three Group 20 sides taking part in the two-day event, which will see 16 clubs battle for an $8500 winner’s cheque.
While the prizemoney would give the club’s coffers a handy boost, Sellars is more interested to see how the Blueheelers perform in their first competitive outing of the pre-season.
The Thunder shape as tricky opposition at a carnival that doesn’t give second chances, but Sellars is banking on Albury providing a tough challenge.
“The Thunder are a very good side. I played against them a few times in Group Nine,” Sellars said.
“They’ve lost a few players, but that won’t affect them much, I don’t think. It’ll still be a good test for us.”
Sellars has been happy with what he’s seen from his players during the pre-season and hopes they can translate that hard work into success on the field.
“If we can play the way we’ve been training lately we’ll have a fairly good crack at Albury,” he said.
“I just want to see the boys put what we’ve been working on into the game.
“It was mainly defence we worked on at the start (of pre-season), but the last few weeks we’ve been working on attack more.
“It’s been pretty balanced. Hopefully we put it together on the field, but I know it’s only early and you can’t expect too much.”
With games at the knockout to be played in 15-minute halves, Sellars said players had no reason to hold back.
“All the boys should get a run out there,” he said.
“The games are pretty short, but I still think you can get something out of them.
“I just want to see the boys go hard when they’re out there and really put in for however long they’re on the field."
West Wyalong Knockout teams: Junee Diesels, Leeton Greens, Yenda Blueheelers, Albury Thunder, Wagga Kangaroos, Orange CYMS, Queanbeyan Blues, Temora Dragons, West Wyalong Mallee Men, Tumbarumba Greens, Gundagai Tigers, Forbes Magpies, Goulburn Workers, Wagga Brothers, South City Bulls, Woden Valley Rams.