The Sunday game makes it feel like it's been a long week but we have finally reached the day we all wait for, game day!!! Another super, super important game in the context of our Season tonight as we take on the Dogs in a big clash. They are a traditional rival of ours with a rivalry that stretches back well over 80 years now and in that time there's been so many chapters in history between our two clubs. Huge Regular Season games, Finals, Grand Finals, the rivalry has had it all. Not to mention, there's also plenty of feeling between the two clubs. It's no secret we don't like Canterbury Bankstown and I'm sure their fans will feel exactly the same about us. Should make for another juicy encounter tonight.
It's also a huge game in terms of making the Finals or not too. With the run we have coming up, this is one we should see as a must-win, no doubt about that.
I certainly don't think it's going to be easy. On paper, you'd probably look at it and think 'easy win' against the Bulldogs but I'm sure tonight will be anything but as it often is against these guys. Think about our games against them in recent times, when have we ever done it easy recently? The only one that springs to mind is the Good Friday game last year but that's about it. Aside from that, it's normally been a tough game and they've either given us a scare, made us work hard for the win, or beaten us. They always seem to lift playing us and always seem to drag us down into a tough contest. I'm expecting tonight to be no different. They've improved so much since we last met and they still have plenty of class in their line up when they get things right. Guys like Averillo, Addo-Carr and Burton in particular, as well as guys like Flanagan, Marshall-King and Josh Jackson. We need to shut them all down but particularly Burton, I think he's the key.
For us, we should go into this one with confidence. A great win last week and with a few troops back, we're able to field a much stronger team. Significantly, we're still missing a few of our best but that is no excuse. The guys coming in for them must step up and do the job, I'm backing them to do so. Really hoping we have turned a corner this year and tonight's game is about going out there and proving that. Get out there with a good attitude, play with passion and pride, no complacency, hold the ball, complete your sets, and defend well. If we can do that then we should be too good, but you just never know against the Dogs. We have not won three in a row yet this Season which is pretty crazy but there's no time like the present to do so!
Let's gooooooo!!!
