By JAMES BRESNEHAN
Still scarred by Vic Country's loss to NSW in last year's AFL under-18 national championship, Hyde has demanded a win over the Tasmanians. Not that he does not respect the Mariners. Hyde was impressed with the Tassie teenagers despite their loss to Northern Territory in the opening round last weekend. ``I watched the DVD during the week and they were unlucky to lose,'' Hyde said. ``They had their noses in front at three quarter-time, but the other mob fired up and Tassie seemed to lose concentration. ``But they tackled really hard and their work rate in close was very good, so we expect a fierce contest.'' The Vic Country rolled Vic Metro last weekend and is now favourite to win the division one title. ``It gives us a good, positive start to the championships and something to build on,'' Hyde said. ``We only just got beaten by them [Vic Metro] last year then went to NSW and got done. ``I said if it happens this year [get beaten by a division two team] I'll pack my swimmers and goggles and swim back across Bass Strait. ``Tassie is a proud state and they'll come out fired up.'' Vic Country will go into the match without one of its best players, towering forward Alex Keath, one of the side's top draft hopefuls. ``He pulled up sore from a groin strain,'' Hyde said.
Last Modified on 07/06/2009 09:30