An unknown prospect is awaiting Hanwood as they prepare for their third round clash with the Mt Annan Mustangs in the Bill Cullinan Cup.
Coming from the Macarthur Association in Sydney, they are not too sure what to expect from the side according to coach Jason Bertacco.
“We don’t know too much about them apart from the fact they are fourth in their competition,” he said
“We have played against sides from the competition before and they were always physical encounters.
“We are expecting a similarly tall and physical side this weekend.”
The Mustangs have started their season well to be sitting in fourth place after starting the season.
So far the Sydney team has two wins, a loss and a draw and will be coming into the game following a 2-1 win last weekend.
Despite the lack of knowledge on the side, Bertacco feels it adds to the experience.
“With the way the competition is you never really know too much about who you are going up against,” he said.
“It’s great to go into situations like this where you aren’t too sure what to expect.”
Mt Annan won through in the first round in pretty convincing fashion with a 9-1 win over Roselands while Hanwood progressed following a forfeit win over Castle Hill United.
Hanwood is also heading into the match in a rich vein of form having remained undefeated following the first three rounds of action and level with Yoogali.
Despite a convincing 5-1 over West Griffith last weekend, Bertacco knows there is still room for improvement.
“Since the weekend we have been trying to implement some better finishing,” he said.
“We need to be helping Danny out more because he has been playing really well.
“Hopefully if we can be more accurate in front of goal it will hold us in a good position.”
After a strong performance, last year which saw Hanwood reach the semi-final and the goal is to try and go as far as possible against this season.
“This game is big for us,” he said.
“If we are able to get a win it guarantees us a home game in the next round which is always good.”
The Hanwood side will make the trip up to Sydney to play on Sunday starting at 1pm and are happy to be making the trip with a full strength team.
“We have no injuries so will have 14 boys making the trip up to Sydney,” he said.
“It is good we have that many because at times it can be difficult to be available for the longer trips.”
Liam Warren
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
