Coaches corner: What they said heading into round seven

Here is what coaches across the league had to say heading into another bumper weekend of action.

Seymour coach: Ben Davey

“It is a massive game, it is really big. We are playing a quality team (Kyabram) that I think is flying under the radar, I don’t think they have been given enough kudos for how well they are going.

“Looking at Ky’s team, it is not like they are relying on one or two blokes – they have quality players on every line.

“They are a quality team. We are under no illusion of how hard it is going to be to beat that team on their home deck.

“We might not have lost a game, but their form is really good and they are favourites on their home deck for this game, no worries at all.

“When we get our opportunities, we really need to play to our strengths and put them to the sword.

“These sort of games are games of momentum. Most likely both sides will have an opportunity at some stage to do their bit, you just have to make the most of those times.”

Kyabram coach: Paul Newman

“They (Seymour) are a quality outfit. We haven’t seen them firsthand this year yet, but on the video and talking to people they are well and truly in contention.

“They are a quality team and they are probably one of the most even teams in the competition in terms of power in all sections of the ground.

“It is going to be a tough challenge for us, we are looking forward to it.

“I think we have one of the most dangerous forward combinations in the competition, so whenever we can give them enough decent looks and give them the opportunity, we are going to stay in the game and give ourselves a chance.

“We are pretty even across the ground, Seymour is too. So I think it is going to come down to the middle of the ground.”

Euroa coach: Scott Rowan

“Pretty much just getting back to playing good footy after the week off. It has given us a good chance to freshen up a bit.

“We have a couple of boys coming back in, we will try to get over to Tat and play our brand of footy.

“We need to be consistent in our game play. We are playing in patches at the moment, patches are good enough to keep you in games and be competitive, but we are really looking for a four-quarter effort along the way and hopefully that comes on Saturday.

“Those bottom sides in the league have recruited really well and you have to be on your game on the day otherwise anyone can beat anyone. We expect it to be real challenge over at Tatura on their home deck.

“We are very aware of what they can do to teams and their physical pressure, we are expecting a really good contest and it will be a challenge, that’s for sure.”

Mooroopna coach: John Lamont

“We can’ afford to take Benalla lightly. They have some real top-end talent in Jarrad Waite and Josh Mellington, they have both played AFL footy.

“I’m a bit surprised they have only had the one win, but they have had a couple of close games, so we won’t be taking them lightly. It is a game we need to win.

“We want to start well. We are coming off a good win against Rochester, but we didn’t play four quarters at the level we would have liked. We are still on the search for that baseline game.

“The second half (against Rochester) was really good because we were in the moment and stayed on task. We played the game on its merits ― whatever got presented to us, we played accordingly.

“That was pleasing and we want to go on with that.”

Shepparton United coach: Duane Hueston

“We spoke about how big a challenge it is. We are trying to play a certain way, and if we can play that way under pressure and against a side that is on top of the ladder, the reigning premiers, we will see how we are tracking and where we are at.

“It is going to be a tough ask. We want to start well and we want to be really competitive. We still want to play our style and put our best foot forward.

“There is a fair bit of selfishness that has been creeping in, and it is all about how many possessions each player can get.

“The way we have been playing is all about possessions and touches and we are getting away from how to play as a team.

“Our focus is that we really want to play for the jumper, not the person.”