With both clubs at 2-2 going into this round six clash, Coburg and Box Hill have a lot to play for at Highgate Recreation Reserve on Saturday as Adem Saricaoglu previews the game.
Only one win away from the top four, the Hawks and Tigers sit seventh and eighth on the ladder respectively.
However the Hawks will take much better form into the game, having easily dismantled Collingwood last week, while Coburg again went down to its recent nemesis, Frankston, by 16 points in a low-scoring game.
Coburg coach Adam Potter said a lot of work has gone into improving on last week’s effort.
“On Monday night we obviously had an extensive review of the Frankston game and there were structural issues that really let us down,” Potter said.
Potter then added the importance of stopping Box Hill’s precision kicking game.
“They were impressive against Collingwood. Their ability to kick the ball and spread was really good,” he said.
“We obviously need to put some contested pressure on them, especially in the clearances.
“We need to match them in and around the midfield area and not give them first use.”
Box Hill coach Damian Carroll said his side enjoyed training this week after such an impressive win.
“We’ve had a really good week on the track. It’s been quite wet so we’ve had a good old-fashioned week,” Carroll said.
When asked what to expect from Coburg on Saturday, Carroll predicted a lot of physical pressure will dictate how the game is played.
“We’re expecting them to be tough and fierce; it will definitely be a very fierce game.”
Despite atrocious conditions all week in Melbourne, Saturday’s forecast promises a rain-free day in Craigieburn.
However the venue has become notorious for producing highly windy conditions, playing havoc on goal-kicking and potentially Box Hill’s reliance on foot skills to move the ball.
Carroll said he hopes the Hawks will be able to counter such conditions.
“I suppose you have to adapt to the conditions and hopefully the players are mature enough and adaptable enough to get through it and change what they need to change throughout the day.”
The first bounce will be at 2pm.
Last Modified on 27/04/2012 13:32