Source: Sunshine Coast Daily
Link: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/mature-heads-give-roos-a-sharper-edge-in-2015/2626260/
IT IS only "early days" but Maroochydore mentor Brett Maloney believes the Roos are a better outfit this year.
The Fishermans Road crew finished fourth of eight teams in last year's QFA North campaign, but the coach rated the current crop more promising after watching them thrash old foe Caloundra 26.12 (168) to 8.6 (54) at Maroochydore yesterday.
The side has won three of its four games, its only glitch coming last weekend when poor accuracy cost it dearly in a four-point loss to 2014 runner-up Noosa.
"I think it is (a better team this year), but time will tell," Maloney said.
"I think we're a bit stronger across the park. We know our best footy is pretty good and I suppose it's whether the opposition can match it or go better."
The side boasts more experience this time around.
"If the (younger) blokes want to come into the side they've got to be pretty good and earn their keep," Maloney said.
"Probably in the past we were just playing them because we needed to fill spots and give them experience, but we've got some mature heads across the board now."
In last year's preliminary final the Roos had six under-18 players. Now only two or three are making the side.
"In those tough games against the best opposition you need big strong bodies, so the (younger) boys who are playing are earning their spots - they're not being gifted games."
The Roos will welcome back ex-skipper Michael Roberts next week, back from his honeymoon.
Former All-Australian Country representative South Australian Matt Hearn is set to return from injury.
"He's another experienced body with a mature head and that's what we've been lacking over the years," Maloney said.
On the negative side, Soul Cormik suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury yesterday and Greg Stirton could need plastic surgery after sustaining a mouth cut.
"It looks like a shark has taken a bite out of his lip - it separated (but) he just wanted to go back on," Maloney said.
The ruckman did go back on, twice, and was outstanding for the side.
Despite the big win, Maloney said he would be telling his side not to "get carried away".
"We want to improve and be playing our best footy by rounds 17 and 18 and into the finals," he said.
In other Senior clashes, defending premier Mayne beat Moreton Bay 20.10 (130) to 6.8 (44) and Aspley's clash with Nambour and Hinterland was called off.
M'DORE 26.12 (168) Def CALOUNDRA 8.6 (54)
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In the other clash, Ash Simpson's Reserves recorded their second consecutive loss in another game which inaccurancy proved costly. The boys strung some good passages of footy together and actually came home with a wet sail, however they could not get that final goal to take the 4 points.
Maroochydore
Goal Kickers: J. Norman 4, J. Gale 3, B. Cadzow 3, J. Hill 3, S. McKenzie 3, J. Ryan 2, J. Page 2, D. Dzufer 2, J. Johnson , P. Stow , B. Kethro , M. Habgood
Best Players: , J. Norman , J. Gale , M. Habgood , B. Pearson , M. Mccosker , G. Stirton
Maroochydore
Goal Kickers: S. Weuffen 2, D. Hulsman , T. Savage , S. Gleeson , C. Bolck
Best Players: , W. Nelson , B. Maki , W. Coombe , D. Hulsman , J. Cosmai , S. Gleeson
Last Modified on 04/05/2015 14:33
