IN Pearce we trust.
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Looking to make amends after a 39-point loss in round two, the Orange Tigers will travel to Bathurst’s George Park on Saturday looking to make a statement against Central West AFL competition leaders the Bushrangers.
And, for the most part, it’ll hinge on the game plan cracked by coach Nathan Pearce.
Ahead of the second genuine CWAFL blockbuster of the 2014 season, black and golds skipper Tim Barry believes simplicity will be the key to turning around what was a disappointing 15.12 (102) to 9.9 (63) loss to the Bushies back in April.
“We’ve got the belief, and Pearcey has got the game plan this year and it hasn’t mattered who has come in, the structures and the processes have worked really well for us,” Barry said.
“Our list is versatile this season, but I guess one of the things we’ve struggled with over the start of the season has been getting that consistent line-up, and each week for us we’re more focused on who’s in and who’s out then who we’re playing each week, whether it be a Bathurst or a Young.”
That struggle is beginning to end somewhat, with Pearce able to name a more “settled” line-up ahead of this weekend’s top-of-the-table clash.
With Bathurst and Orange emerging as the obvious contenders for the 2014 flag, Barry is hoping his Tigers will bare their teeth on the road come Saturday.
“We’ll be going in to win, I want to win every game we play,” he fired.
“Since I’ve been here we’re played Bathurst seven or eight times and I’ve only played twice, so I’m itching to get out there this weekend.”
Nursing a broken hand at the start of the season, Barry was again a notable absentee in the Tigers’ round two loss to the Bushies.
Kicking 20 goals in his three games since returning, the Orange power forward was wary of this weekend’s opposition more than most.
“They’ve got quality players right across the park,” he said, with his bag of eight majors against Young his best haul in 2014.
“It’s something we’re trying to build, and they’ve got that depth that can cover most positions in the club.
“And with Matty Archer coaching them this year, you always know Bathurst is going to be up for a fight.”