The Bushies were outclassed from start to finish in their season opener against Gippsland Power last week, conceding the first six goals to fall by 49 points at La Trobe University.
Their work around the contest was particularly lacking in the round one fixture, with the Power’s bigger bodies proving to be far too much for a young Bushrangers outfit.
Speaking after last week’s loss, coach Mark Brown said he was focused on seeing improvement out of his team as it geared up for this important clash.
“We just want to see an improved effort,” Brown said.
“The disappointing part (last week) was that we just got beaten at the contest by a team that was hungrier than us, and that is something we’d like to hang our hat on is that we compete really well.
“We just got out-worked, we got out-hustled, we got out-muscled, so we would like to see a real improvement in that area of the game, because if you don’t get your hands on the ball, you’re just not giving yourself an opportunity to get the game on your terms.”
This week’s opponent is a Giants side the Bushies are relatively familiar with, having beaten them in a pre-season fixture in the lead-up to round one.
“I certainly don’t put much credence in the result (from the pre-season), and I don’t really put much credence on any of the results to be honest,” Brown said.
“It is more just around the development of our players, are we taking every opportunity to improve our game, and we showed in that pre-season game against GWS that at our best we can do it.
“Round one was obviously a step backwards in that sense, so we need to make sure we bring that intensity from the start and get back to the footy we know is good enough to get over the line — because if you don’t you get found out at this level.”
Tatura product Brayden George presents as the key to the Bushrangers’ hopes up forward, coming off a dominant five-goal performance in the loss against Gippsland last week.
Shepparton Swans product Max Clohesy and Mooroopna’s Coby James will also be vital contributors through the midfield, as they hope to clean up their work around the contest.
The match kicks off at 6pm on Friday night at Lavington Sports Ground.
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