SOMETIMES a loss can be more valuable than a win – if it comes at the right time of the season.
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That is the thinking of Koroit coach Adam Dowie as his side prepares to take on ladder leader North Warrnambool Eagles at Bushfield this Saturday.
After a weekend off due to the Koroit Irish Festival – the Saints played their match against Port Fairy a week before the rest of the competition started – the reigning premier has had longer than usual to stew over its round three loss to Warrnambool.
But Dowie said the Saints’ first loss since round one 2015 had served as a wake-up call on some aspects of their game that needed work.
“The more you win, the more people expect you to win,” he said.
We're just a footy side that plays pretty well together.
- Adam Dowie
“We’re going to lose games.
“It’s more the expectation outside that we’re some sort of super team – we’re just a footy side that plays pretty well together.”
Dowie, who was an interested observer as North Warrnambool defeated the Tigers on Saturday, said it was clear the Eagles were an improved side for last season, with a busy recruiting drive already paying off.
“Even just with (Rory) Taggert playing and Jordan Dillon back in the ruck, and (Luke) Van Heugten down back, it has probably just given them a bit more depth,” he said.
“Their clearance work is quite good, their work inside and outside, their run off half-back – they use the ball very well.”
The Saints are set to regain Jeremy Hausler from suspension for the match, but otherwise will look to take in a very similar line-up to the one which lost to Warrnambool.
Koroit is also preparing for its big annual Sports Lovers Night on Tuesday, boasting a line-up including Peter Moody, Sam Kecovich, Ciaron Maher and Sarah Wall among others.