TERANG Mortlake coach Matthew Irving says the secret to reigning premier Warrnambool’s stunning start to the season isn’t its much-hyped attack.
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Irving was upbeat after the Bloods suffered a 49-point loss to Warrnambool at Reid Oval, saying the result was more about the Blues’ brilliance than any shortcomings in his side.
“Everyone puts a lot of effort and time into their forward set-up but I reckon they have the best back line I’ve seen in the Hampden league in the last 15 years,” Irving said after the 12.10 (82) to 4.9 (33) result.
“Their ability to work for each other, impact the contest and support each other is the best I’ve seen for a long time.
“We put a bit of work into their midfield and forwards but their back line was the difference. Their back six are the best going around this year.”
Irving said 2012 premiership ruckman Rob Bright had developed into a reliable backman, giving the Blues more depth and versatility in defence alongside key talls Tim O’Keeffe, Peter Corredig, and quality defenders Sam Wilson, Brad Bull and Michael Threlfall. “Our effort was great. We got beaten pretty comfortably but if it had been against a third or fourth side we would have been competing pretty hard, that’s how good Warrnambool is.”
Blues coach Scott Carter was pleased his side had extended its record this season to 12 wins and a loss with five matches remaining.
He said the Blues had improved this year compared with its 2012 and 2013 premierships. “We’ve defensively improved across the ground, not just our back six but in the midfield and our forwards are better defensively.”
He said that was reflected in holding the Bloods to just four goals.
Carter said Bright had done well to keep key forward Chris Bant goalless while O’Keeffe did the same to Chris Baxter, who has been playing forward in recent matches for the Bloods.