Derby has Hawks on high alert
Augusta-Margaret River could slip into the top five this weekend if they claim the Busselton Toyota Cup against Busselton at Sir Stewart Bovell Park on Saturday.
The Hawks sit just four points outside of the top five since causing upsets against South Bunbury in round 9 and against the Eaton Boomers on Saturday.
Despite the Magpies winning just one game this season, they will be no easy beats and Hawks coach Matt Jamieson said he expected the Magpies to take the Hawks on this weekend after their last tight contest.
“Conditions played a fair part in all of that,” he said.
“To Busselton’s credit, they kept coming at us.
“We are looking forward to the challenge.”
Jamieson believes his side would be sitting better as they head towards finals if not for some “unfortunate” defeats prior to the weekend’s 80-point thumping of the Boomers.
On their day the Hawks are a dangerous side – an ability they proved when they demolished the reigning premiers South Bunbury at Hands Oval by 85-points in round 9.
Jamieson said his side always had the goal of playing finals this year.
“There are going to be times when the momentum swings each way,” he said.
“That is just the season we are having. If you are not at 100 per cent then every team can be beaten.”
Jamieson said conditions would play a big part in the game and whether both teams would be able to implement their running-style game-plans.
“We just need to make sure we control the ball better than Busselton,” he said.
Busselton coach Steve Lester said he hoped his side could turn their form around after tough losses to the Harvey Bulls and Eaton Boomers in their past two games.
“The last few weeks has been a minor setback as we have not played our best football,” he said.
“We have to develop more confidence in our own game.”
Lester said it would be a big day for his young team, with more spectators expected because of the derby and WAFL matches.
He said that since the two sides last met, the Hawks had been playing some good football.
“They (derbies) are always even contests,” he said.
“But they have played some good football since the last one.
“They have a lot more confidence now.”
Bounce down is 11.40am.
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