Inverleigh co-coach Chris Moore is confident of his team’s ability to carry the momentum that almost saw it steal Saturday’s clash with East Geelong into the Anzac Day matchup with Bannockburn.
Trailing by 13 points at half-time, the Hawks fought back to snatch the lead off the Eagles in the final quarter at Inverleigh Reserve.
Despite being unable to hang on for its second win of the season, Moore says the signs are optimistic for the reigning premiers heading into the annual meeting with the Tigers.
“It’s been one of our weaknesses in the first two weeks, so to run the game out was good,” Moore said,
“We’re hoping that momentum can carry through to Thursday.
“And I thought we defended the ground really well, and we started to win some clearances.
“The disconnect going forward is hurting us at the moment.
“Looking at the stats, we won most categories. When we do get the ball in our hands, we need to apply more scoreboard pressure.”
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Inverleigh will have a light training run on Tuesday night before taking on the Tigers.
The short turnaround isn’t foreign to both clubs, who played again off a five-day break following last year’s Anzac Day meeting.
“The positive is, we’re both going in off a five-day break,” Moore said.
“Last year, we were playing different opponents off a five-day break, and us and Bannockburn lost after that.
“We’re both in the same boat. It’s just a case of who can get through the week with as fewer injuries as possible.
“I’m happy it’s a level playing field come Thursday.”
The Hawks will likely welcome back big man Kad McEwan-Walsh but are still unable to consider Michael Best and Kieran McNally, who remain in the 21-day concussion protocol and Nathan Mayes (osteitis pubis).
Moore also said debutant Jarvis Miles will maintain his spot.
“He was good, Jarv,” Moore said. “He played up forward, and talking about that disconnect, he didn’t get a lot of looks.
“But, when the ball did come his way, he was very good, and he’ll keep his spot.”
The two clubs have met on Anzac Day six times since the semi-annual tradition started in 2013.
Both have won three games apiece, including Bannockburn by two points last year.
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