COMPLACENCY won't be a problem for the Dora Creek Swampies when they host Fingal Bay at Neville Thompson Oval on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The undefeated leaders of the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League's A-Grade competition know the drill.
"One thing our boys have learnt all season with the unbeaten run is that every week the team you play are upbeat and want to win," Dora Creek coach David Hoban said.
Dora Creek has now racked up 11 wins from as many rounds.
With every passing week, opponents must feel the Swampies are closer to dropping a game.
Hoban said it was a cliche, sure, but his team really was focussed on taking one game at a time, and not concerning itself with preserving or establishing a record.
"All season, we have not looked at anything past the week's game we are playing," he said.
In the news
"I am a believer in focusing on the process and the reward will take care of itself. One thing I can tell you about this team is they are very gritty, and have become very close mates."
You might think that all spells trouble for seventh-placed Fingal Bay who are coming off a 28-12 loss to Woodberry.
But Hoban said the visitors were well coached, had some big bodies, and would be dangerous.
"Fingal Bay have not been going very well since we played them due to a heavy injury toll so we know they will be playing for their season on Saturday and we need to turn up ready to play," he said.
Dora Creek defeated Fingal Bay 24-16 when the teams met in Round 5.
One thing I can tell you about this team is they are very gritty, and have become very close mates.
- - Dora Creek Swampies coach David Hoban
"Fingal Bay are a very well structured and well coached football team," Hoban said.
"In our first encounter we did not build enough pressure when we had good opportunities. We need to be more patient with the football and not try to score a try every set we have the ball in good-ball attacking areas.
"If we put some good shape and skill on with the ball we can really hurt teams but it is just a matter of learning how to build the pressure."
Hoban said it was no secret that Dora Creek's plan would again be to use defence to build "the platform for victory".
Kick off is at 3pm.
