Cowra player-coach Mark Dixon reevaluated his side’s goals halfway through the Central West AFL season.
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The focus turned from securing a berth in the finals to winning the hosting rights of the grand final, following an unbeaten opening eight weeks.
This Saturday, Cowra has its opportunity.
Having finished second on the ladder the Blues face off against minor premiers Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws in the major semi-final.
“Everyone’s really keen you can’t get much more motivated than having the possibility of getting a home grand final,” Dixon said.
“We rested everyone who wasn’t 100 percent last weekend so we should be full strength.”
The Blues defeated the Outlaws in the previous encounter this season, with Frank Bright kicking a goal on the siren to edge ahead.
Dixon says the Blues backline pressure is key to ousting the Outlaws again, a side that boasts a number of goal-kicking threats.
“Defence through midfield will be important, we can’t allow easy entry into the forward 50m, we’ll try and cut off the delivery.
“Our captain Brad McLeish has been excellent, Chris Day and the Kacarovski’s David and Nathan get the job done. Ben Houghton has been consistent also, he virtually never loses a contest.”
While Dixon’s placed a large portion of responsibility on the shoulders of defensive players, inside the forward 50m Nathan Worth, Tyrone McKeown and Kim Reid will look to continue their strong form in front of goal.
Worth led the competition for goals scored throughout the regular season with 61.
Dixon added that a home game on September 10 would be a huge advantage.
“It’d be huge for us. We’re sort of the little cousin to a few of the senior codes in town so it’d be great to get the club well known around town and the region,” Dixon said.
Opening bounce is 2.30pm.