Football
11 April, 2025
Saints bracing for hot contest
Despite Nhill having a new co-coach at the helm in Trevor Ryan, coach of the Horsham Saints, Ben Knott, says he's expecting their opposition on Saturday to bring a similar style of play to last season.
"Last year Nhill controlled the ball in the back half then when the opportunity arose they moved it quickly, so we're expecting something similar," Knott said.
Their focus will remain on the way they move the ball, as well as making a few other tweaks from last season.
Like all games lost or won, Knott said, it all began in the middle.
"Both teams will back their midfield in," he said.
Knott said he was looking forward to seeing Jacob Obeirne back out there after having last season off with a back injury, and said Judd Wright was another player to watch, the coach expecting him to take his game to another level.
Coach of Nhill, Jake McQueen, is under no illusion and knows the Saints will apply heat early on in the match.
"They usually bring that high-pressure, fast ball movement," McQueen said.
"For us it’s just about applying pressure around the contest and being clean with our use when we win it.
"The game will be decided in the contest and how efficient both sides are going forward."
McQueen said he was hoping to limit their opponents' entries and said his side making the most of theirs would go a long way.
"I'll be looking for blokes like Lucas Dahlenburg and Deek Roberts to have an impact – we just need them bringing energy and using it well through the middle," McQueen said.