ORANGE City fullback Mitch Green has flourished since taking over the Lions’ No.15 jersey, and puts his Blowes Clothing Cup form completely down to his teammates’ influence.
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“You play your best footy when you enjoy it, and the boys and the coaching staff are definitely letting me do that,” Green said.
“It’s a big step up, it’s a lot quicker and more physical than any footy I’ve ever played but I’m loving it.”
A St Stanislaus College’s first XV graduate, the 20-year-old dominated the colts competition before being promoted to the Lions’ top grade side three weeks ago.
WATCH OUR VIDEO PREVIEW OF THE BLOWES CLOTHING CUP'S ROUND 14 GAMES:
Despite Orange City’s 45-nil win in round five’s corresponding clash, Green was loathe to condemn the last-placed Mudgee Wombats to defeat after they secured their first victory of the season last weekend against Narromine.
“We can’t afford to write them off,” Green said.
“I’ve heard they lack some strong outside backs, and ours are more than capable of putting points on the board, so hopefully this weekend we can show what we can do in attack, and that we aren’t just a defensive side like some people think.
“Defence is critical, and has gotten us across the line in previous games but we need to start getting some points on the board (leading into the finals).”
Wombats coach Justin Sutherland pointed to the competition’s unpredictability ahead of the clash, despite adopting a seemingly defeatist attitude.
“You never know with this competition. Who would have thought Emus would beat Dubbo ‘Roos, the competition leaders, like they did last week?,” he said.
“We have to be realistic... I just want to try stay within 15 or 20 points of them.”
Saturday’s first grade match at Pride Park, between the Lions and Wombats, kicks off at 3.15pm.
ORANGE CITY LIONS: 1 Scott Smith, 2 Josh Tremain, 3 Darcy Garlick, 4 Mitch Pearce, 5 Chris Barrett, 6 Duncan Young, 7 Gus Brotherton, 8 Josh Maley, 9 Nick Quinn, 10 Mesui Lemoto, 11 Cameron Cole, 12 Jake Davis, 13 Manu Halasima, 14 Sam Powell, 15 Mitch Green.