Manunda Hawks coach Aaron McKinnon has admitted a vigorous pre-season schedule knocked the zest out of his side when they crashed in a surprise round one loss to Centrals Trinity Bulldogs last weekend.
The Hawks clash with reigning premiers North Cairns in the Cairns AFL Women’s League grand final rematch today at Holloways Beach, with McKinnon looking for an improved effort.
“It was very disappointing, I expected more big-time,” he said of last weekend’s 13-point loss to the Bulldogs.
He said the side had been put through about 12 weeks of gruelling pre-season training to steel them for the year ahead, which he blamed for their lacklustre effort against the Bulldogs.
“We punished them really hard early...you don’t just get grand finals given to you,” McKinnon said of the side’s pre-season regime.
The Tigers kick-started their title defence by blasting Souths to the tune of 66 points in round one.
McKinnon labelled the battle of the midfield as the area where the game was likely to be decided.
“If we don’t control it in the midfield right from the start, we could get blown away,” he said.
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 14/11/2011 12:01