There is extra significance this round for the Rovers, with the club hosting its Sponsors’ Day and goods and services auction.
The Rovers had a successful weekend away against Strathmerton, winning every grade across the football and netball last round.
They will be out to replicate those results this round but will have a challenge on their hands, particularly in the C-grade netball which is a top of the ladder clash.
Last weekend’s results were crucial, particularly for the senior footballers, who beat a higher ranked side for the second time this season but remain just outside the top eight based on percentage.
Senior football coach Alex Hay said the win was one of the teams’ best displays this year, but there is still more to improve on.
“It was a really pleasing win and probably one of our more complete performances for the season.
“I thought our pressure around the contest was strong, we defended well as a team and, when we won the ball back, we were able to move it with a bit more purpose.
“The most pleasing part was that everyone contributed and played their role.
“We still had periods where we could have been cleaner and made more of our opportunities, but overall, it was a strong four-quarter effort and something we can build on.”
This weekend, the team take on Katunga, who are in last-place on the ladder with only one win against Rennie.
Despite this, Hay said they cannot underestimate the opposition.
“We are expecting a tough contest.
“Their ladder position does not change how we prepare, and we know that any side can be dangerous if you allow them time and confidence early in the game.
“For us, it is about bringing the same pressure, discipline and team defence that we showed last week.
“We are back at Memorial Park and want to put in another strong performance in front of our home crowd, but we know we will have to earn it.”
This week’s match is the first of three games the Rovers will play against teams who sit between 13th and 16th.
They play Rennie next week and Blighty the week after.
The side also needs to increase percentage significantly to leapfrog Berrigan and Tungamah on the ladder.
While finals are close, Hay said the team is focused on playing well in the game immediately in front of them.
“Sitting ninth means our season is still very much alive, but we understand that we have put ourselves in a position where every game matters.
“On paper, the remaining fixture may look favourable, but ladder positions do not win games of football.
“We cannot afford to look ahead or become focused on anything outside our control.”
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