PINES coach Gary Connolly claims his young team has been unfairly written off already this season - and the lack of respect is spurring on the Pythons.
Fired-up, they began the season on April 16 with a rousing two-goal win over perennial finalists Mt Eliza.
Few tipped Pines, a point duly noted by Connolly and his players.
“There’s a lot of knockers out there, a lot of doubters, and people writing us off so the boys have a fire in the belly because of it,” Connolly said.
“A lot of people put us down in the pre-season yet we are up and about, we’re pretty keen.”
Pines travel to Regent Park on Saturday to play Edithvale-Aspendale, and again many will be tipping against the Pythons.
But Connolly has faith in his players and reckons they can make it two from two.
Connolly concedes Pines’ lack height, but says they make up for it with leg speed and mobility. Two of their more experienced players, Jimmy Messina and former Port Melbourne onballer Brendan Neville, were superb in Round 1, showing great leadership.
Connolly was also delighted with the efforts of youngsters Darren Ramsdale, Guy Hendry and Mathew Bayliss.
Edi-Asp disappointed first-up and will be out to bounce back. The Eagles are expected to improve this season and Saturday’s game is a crucial test for them.
Meanwhile, at Ballam Park, Karingal and Frankston YCW will battle it out for the Berenger-Watts Cup, named after a couple of champs.
Both sides began the season with impressive wins and this is a chance for one to put their stamp on the competition early on. While YCW have dominated the comp in the past 12 months, it’s worth remembering Karingal did beat the Stonecats at Ballam Park last season, so perhaps lightning will strike twice.
Chelsea has not had a happy time of it against Seaford in recent years, losing seven of its past eight meetings with the Tigers.
Yet, on Saturday the Seagulls go to Miles Oval believing they can get one back on the Tigers.
At Cannes Ave, Bonbeach’s status as a major contender this season will be put to the test against Langwarrin.
Sam Carpenter and Troy McKenzie missed Round 1 with minor injuries but should play for the Sharks.
On Sunday, Mt Eliza and Mornington will face-off in their traditional Anzac clash, and a tight battle is on the cards.
Both sides lost first-up and enter round two with plenty to prove.
