ORANGE Tigers coach Nathan Pearce said his side steadfastly refuses to get enveloped by overconfidence ahead of Saturday's Central West AFL clash with Dubbo, despite a stellar record against the Demons in 2014.
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However the Tigers have the right to expect a huge victory today at Country Club Oval having destroyed the Demons twice this season, by 130 and 201 points respectively.
In both games combined Orange has scored 53.42.360, compared to the Demons 4.5.29.
“It definitely isn’t what people want to hear, but it’s one game at a time for us,” Pearce laughed, rolling out the cliches.
“Seriously though, we have been burned by Dubbo before when we’ve expected a win, so we have learned from our mistakes.
“Early in my coaching career I focused on how much we would win by. Now, a win is a win whether it’s by 10 points or 100 points. If we’re playing good, consistent football the scoreboard will take care of itself and four competition points is always more important than percentages.”
The first placed Tigers have the benefit of a four point lead, and a far superior percentage, over second placed Bathurst, which Pearce said is vital considering his side is missing several stars on Saturday.
“I’m glad we have the luxury of a lead today, considering we’re missing a few guys like Michael Rothnie and Murray Robotham,” Pearce explained.
“It gives us the chance to move a few guys around and maybe try some new things, it also gives a few other guys a good opportunity.
“Everyone knows their job today, and we are focused on playing to our structures and grabbing a win.”
Pearce did concede the CWAFL minor premiership is beginning to play on his mind.
“I have thought about it, especially considering if we can win a couple more in a row it’s wrapped up,” he said.
“We don’t want to it to come down to percentages, we want to beat Bathurst in two weeks’ time and avoid any calculations.
“To do that, we need to play well over the next couple of weeks and gain some consistency and momentum.
“It starts today.”
First bounce is at 2.30pm.