The Tigers stumbled a fortnight ago against Echuca United have came back with a bang, stifling Tongala and Tungamah in consecutive weeks to move for 7-1 for the season, the equal-best record, along with United and Nathalia.
But the Lions are also impressing this season, 5-3 and sixth on the ladder, having pushed the Eagles and the Purples within 16 and two points respectively.
Seeing what his opposition had done against the competition’s other elites, Tigers coach Josh Noonan said there was no room to take Mulwala lightly.
‘‘We’re not going in cautious as such, but we’re definitely not underestimating them,’’ he said.
‘‘They’ve got a very even mix across the field and we’re not taking them lightly and need to play somewhere near our best to make an impression on the contest.’’
Hot form from Tom Scott, Matt Demaio and Adam De Cicco continues to pace the Tigers, but Noonan was just as thrilled with his side’s young core and how it could take things to the next level.
He said the team had learnt plenty from the Echuca United loss, things which would continue to be applied moving forward.
‘‘Against United, we probably just had a few tired bodies and minds, so the week’s break has been good,’’ he said.
‘‘We’ve been able to get the games since then on our terms and play our game style, and not get sucked in by how the other team is playing.
‘‘Probably the young kids — Luca Allen, Izac Artavilla, Jack Cassidy — on the weekend showed little glimpses of what he will bring to the senior team in years to come.
‘‘This year we know we can beat any team on our day, Echuca United came out and played a physical game and that taught us a few lessons. We just want to win as many games as we can.’’
Mulwala got big games from superstar Jackson Gash, Glenn Dominick and Liam Russell against United last weekend and will look for more contributors to upset the Tigers.
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