A team with its back against the wall is often more dangerous than a team in a dominant position, which is why Orange Emus' five-eighth Angus Roberts thinks Orange City will be out for blood during the looming Blowes Clothing Cup round nine derby.
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City has lost seven games in-a-row since winning the season-opening clash against Kangaroos, but using the last Emus-Lions match as a measuring stick, Roberts thinks Viv Paasi's men are better than their record indicates.
"They're very unlucky to be where they are," he said.
"We put a few points on them in the first-half, but they easily could have done that to us in the second. Both teams have a point to prove and these derbies are certainly healthy... it will be good if we can get one over them."
Emus have had a relatively sound run throughout the first two months of the campaign as they sit in first position with a 6-2 record.
Roberts is pleased with the progress his troops have made, but composure is an area that still needs to be improved.
"We're always looking to throw the miracle ball or score too early," he said.
"Our main focus has just been patience and waiting for our opportunities rather than trying to force them.
He hasn't been flawless, but the former Super Rugby gun's impact at Emus this winter can't be underestimated.
And even though he's the most credentialed star the greens have in 2021, Roberts has been pleasantly surprised by the quality of his teammates.
"Lachie Harris has been massive for us and I think Jack Marchinton's been fantastic," he said.
"Digby's [Cooper] only young as well, but he's got a lot of potential going forward. He's playing first grade at 18 and he's holding his own, and giving some."
"We've also got guys like Tom Joseph and Clappy [Nick Hughes-Clapp] who have played at a high level as well."
Roberts would never overlook an upcoming opponent, but after facing every side the competition has to offer, he narrowed down the two best outfits.
"I think Forbes and Cowra have been our hardest games," he said.
"Playing there was really tough. No one's traveled that well this year, but those games were challenging."
Both Platypi and Cowra sit in second and third position, and the latter knocked off Emus in round seven.
Orange City faced Forbes in round eight, and the four-point loss it suffered it a testament to how competitive it can be against the top-tier sides. Kick-off between the two rivals is 3.15pm at Endeavour Oval.
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