GNFL round 12 preview: Brigades preparing to be back to full strength ahead of ‘finals-like’ match-ups

Talent, skill and effort are all important attributes of a strong team, but sometimes availability goes under the radar.

Commitments with work and family, as well as injuries, meant Brigades have not been able to select their first choice squad for most of the season.

It has not bothered the Hawks too much as they sit third on the GNFL ladder after 11 rounds, with six wins and three losses to their name.

Brigades coach Cory Foot said the situation had provided plenty of opportunity for those willing to put in the effort to be selected.

“The ones that do that right things on the track and represent themselves well in the colts and reserves are the ones that get rewarded,” he said.

“The majority of the time we’re selecting players who’ve been asked to back and have a good run in either the colts or reserves, and their attitude towards training.

“Some of them have taken the opportunity with both hands and have been rewarded with consistent games since they’ve come up.

“We’re looking forward to the response in the next few weeks when pressure is on for spots.”

The next three rounds sees Brigades take on Railways (fifth), Northampton (second) and Chapman Valley (first).

With just three wins separating the top five teams, Foot said he expected the intensity to crank up a notch.

“There’s no doubt they’re going to be played like finals-like games,” he said.

“We want to win them all; we’re not going to sit back and just nit-pick our way through it.”

Foot said their spot in the four could be decided over the next few weeks.

“If things don’t go our way, reality will set in and we could miss the four,” he said.

“It’s welcomed pressure and I think it’s good for the competition.

“I’m confident in the group work that we’re doing; we’ve connected really well and we’ll take our opportunities when they come.”

The side has been strong defensively, according to the stats, ranking second for scores across the competition.

However, Foot said the numbers could look inflated due to low-scoring matches against Chapman Valley in muddy and wet conditions and Rovers with strong winds blowing across the ground.

“Our goal is to open the games up and showcase what we can do both defensively and offensively and try and kick a really healthy score on the board,” he said.

“Credit to the opposition, they’ve been able to nullify our impact on the scoreboard, but our goal is to work through some more scoreboard pressure.”

Although the side has had a strong start, Foot said the next few weeks could see most of the squad available.

“It’s been at times a tough year; every week we’ve had to make six or seven changes, so it’s been challenging in that aspect,” he said.

“But I feel from past experiences that we seem to be getting the run in at the right time.

“Nearly the whole squad could be available, which is great, and that’s going to put some pressure on spots which will then create some better football in return.”

Brigades takes on Railways at GBSC Sports Park in what looms as the match of the round on Saturday.

In the other games, the Demons host top-of-the-ladder Chapman Valley at Greenough Oval.

Rovers will be looking to be more competitive in their clash with the red-hot Royals after losing by 73 points in May.

Mullewa will take on the Rams in the remaining round 12 match at Mullewa Town Oval.

The Saints are seeking their first win of the season, while the Rams will be looking for a win to keep in touch with Chapman Valley.