Thomson coach Paul Lynch has praised his players for sticking to a defensive game plan that earned the Tigers their second upset win in three weeks.
Although several first-choice players, including key defender Steve Salajan, were missing, Thomson was able to clamp down on Inverleigh’s potent forward line to register a seven-point win.
The Tigers led by 40 points during the second quarter before holding off the Hawks’ final-quarter charge.
“It certainly worked. We were able to control it (the match) pretty much for three quarters and keep it a low-scoring affair,” Lynch said.
“We lost a little bit of our structure behind the footy late, and they got back in the game.
“But, credit where credit’s due. The kids have come in, and they were amazing just following instructions and listening to what we’re trying to implement.”
Debutant Max Deller, second-gamers Alex Anticev and Jayden Spiteri, and St Mary’s junior Charlie Russell (five games) are among those making the most of their chances.
“These kids are getting opportunities at senior level, and they’re acquitting themselves quite well,” Lynch said.
“We’ve just got to keep getting games into them, and at the back end of the year, they’ll be good for us.
Defender Josh Camm, who helped limit Inverleigh gun Adam Donohue’s influence in the first half, will miss at least two games after entering the concussion protocol.
However, Thomson could welcome Salajan, Dan Freeman, Leyton Thulborn and Sam Jacka back for a crucial clash with North Geelong at Godfrey Street on Saturday.
Lynch is well aware that the meeting with the Magpies, coached by his former Geelong teammate Peter Riccardi, is important, with the Tigers four points clear.
Victory would see Thomson open up a two-game gap on North and still in the top-five mix.
“I think you will only need 11 wins to make finals this year,” Lynch said.
“It’s the most even competition I’ve ever been involved with – every side can beat every side.
“North Geelong were down the bottom last year, but they pushed Bannockburn all day.
“I don’t think there’s any weak sides in the competition now.
“All those that were in the bottom half last year have improved, and the top sides have probably dropped back a little bit.
“On any given day, I think you can get beat by anyone.”
