Source: Sunshine Coast Daily
Link: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/hungry-roos-coach-demands-more/2361967/
A YOUTHFUL Maroochydore outfit has battled its way into the final four of the QFA North league, but coach Brett Maloney wants more.
The Roos staved off a gutsy Caloundra side yesterday in an elimination final and emotional local derby at Fishermans Road, winning 7.9 (51) to 6.4 (40) in sodden conditions.
But the club wants, and expects, more.
"We've got higher ambitions," Maloney said.
"We don't want to be just a one-week wonder in the finals, that's for sure. We want to extend our season.
"There are four teams left and we want to be amid the three teams left this time next Saturday."
The triumph was a morale-boosting experience for the Roos, who had lost three of their past four matches, including to the Panthers.
"A few weeks ago I was a bit worried about how we were tracking and wasn't sure where it might end up, but to the players' credit they kept turning up and doing the work," Maloney said.
"Then they got the job done today on the back of recognising the importance of going forward in trying conditions at every opportunity."
The Roos showed plenty of tenacity after a brave Panthers outfit cut a 23-point margin to just three points in the third quarter.
"We respect them and we know they don't go away regardless of what the scoreboard says," Maloney said.
David Bell, Soul Cormick, Jayden Johnson-Moody, Jarrod Gale and towering teenager Will Kristelly were among the Roos' strongest performers.
Jack Johnson booted a stunning 40m goal in the trying conditions in the final term to help the hosts to victory.
Next weekend, Maroochydore will clash with Kedron - a 41-point loser to Noosa in a qualifying final at Noosaville yesterday.
Maroochydore took half a step back in divisions this year- moving from the now-defunct South-East Queensland division to the new northern South-East Queensland competition.
But it is a very young side, with half a dozen players under 18.
The side finished the eight-team regular season in fourth place, behind Mayne, Noosa and Kedron and in front of Caloundra.
The side will likely welcome back representative player Daniel Henderson next weekend.
M'DORE 7.9 (51) def CALOUNDRA 6.4 (40)
The reserves went down to Noosa by a solitary point for the second consecutive week however they had earned themselves a double chance after finishing second on the ladder so they live to fight another day.
Both the seniors and reserves will clash with their Kedron counterparts this Saturday at Kedron. The players are asking for as many supporters as possible to make the trip down to Brisbane to help them extend their season by another week.
Anyone interested in jumping on a supporters bus should get in touch with President Matt Bury 0408 400 999 or email mn@creativestone.net.au
Note: The bus will depart and return to Fisherman's Rd however another drop off closer to town may be organised on request
Last Modified on 25/08/2014 16:46