THROW all predictions out the window – things are about to get closer than ever before.
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That’s the view of two respected Hampden league coaches after a round one dominated by upset results.
Both Koroit premiership coach Chris McLaren and North Warrnambool Eagles mentor Graeme Twaddle believe the gap between the bottom and top clubs has been significantly bridged.
“We might need to reassess. Throughout the duration of the season, there might be upsets more often,” McLaren, the reigning premiership coach, said.
“I think the gap will be bridged a fair bit and most teams will be pretty hard to beat on their home deck.
"We’re like any club and we want to win every week. But we don’t want to see reults like you get in the District league where there is a huge gap between the best and the worst.
“That’s unhealthy footy. I know our players want to win, but they want to turn up and have to play well to win.”
Portland’s one point triumph over Warrnambool shocked the football fraternity while Camperdown’s 11-point victory over Terang Mortlake was the upset of the round.
Twaddle said the first round proved there were “no certainties” in the Hampden league ahead of a clash with Portland on Saturday.
“You just can’t go into any game taking it lightly. Portland will be high on confidence and as a club, we need to be on our toes,” he said.
“We’re focusing on a good start.”