LIKE A TIGER: Corey McKenzie is leading the Orange Tigers out in their first home game today at Orange Ex-Services Country Club Oval. Photo: NICK McGRATH
COREY McKenzie knows the Orange Tigers must improve to beat the Young Saints today at Orange Ex-Services Country Club Oval.
“We can’t switch off like we did last week for a quarter. We have to play the whole game. If we do that, we can beat them,” McKenzie said.
“You just can’t afford any lapses.”
The Tigers were outplayed in the second quarter last weekend against the Bathurst Bushrangers 7.7 (49) to 1.2 (8), effectively writing off any chance they had of recording an away victory against one of the Central West AFL’s powerhouse sides.
The Tigers matched it with the Bushrangers for three quarters but it was the second quarter lapse which the Tigers rue most in their 65-point loss in round two.
Today at home, the Tigers have a chance to hit back.
“We want to make a good impression and bounce back from last week, I guess,” McKenzie, the Tigers skipper said.
“We had a chat on Tuesday night just before training and laid it all out on the table. Hopefully you’ll see a much improved effort.”
Lining up at half-back flank against Young, McKenzie will play a crucial part in moving the ball forward through the mid-field and inside 50.
“He is just a good leader around the club,” coach Joashim Mahon said.
“He shows a good example on the field and all of the blokes like him.”
Mahon said although only round three of the 2012 season, today’s clash with Young was an important one for the boys from Tigerland.
“Last week was disappointing. It’s a must-win game for us really. We’ve got a stronger side again, we lose a few players but gain a few more as well,” he said.
And that’s largely been the problem this year.
Between work commitments, injuries and players away, the Tigers have struggled to field a regular 22 to start the season.
McKenzie said once the team does field a consistent line-up, wins will come.
“We are (confident of a strong year), once we can get everyone together on the same day. It’s hard to be consistent when you’re making six to eight changes each week,” McKenzie said.
The Tigers host the Saints from 2.30pm today.