Narre Warren coach Steve Kidd is hoping that an extra session this week and a greater focus on training standards can help the side salvage something from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
After coming across from the Outer East League with a full trophy cabinet, hopes were high for the Magpies and they started well, winning two of their first three matches.
But from there, things went south for Narre Warren and losing to bottom-placed Cranbourne by 19 points definitely wasn’t part of their pre-season plans – dropping to eighth spot on the ladder.
“It’s just about showing a bit of grit now and really trying to get something out of the year,” Kidd said.
“The guys are really feeling it at the moment … but we have a long history of really working hard on the training track and it’s important we get back to that.”
The Magpies kicked four goals in the second quarter, but conceded five against the breeze which was costly.
“That quarter was really disappointing, we made too many fundamental errors and allowed them to move the ball too effectively into their forward line,” Kidd said.
“We really didn’t have a match-up for (Ryan) Jones; he was just so reliable in front of goal.”
While the Magpies were still without a lot of key players including Jake Richardson, Joel Zietsman and Kurt Mutimer, Kidd said they needed to be better in a few key areas.
“Our pressure was down and so was our ability to stick tackles, which has been a bit of an issue for us all year to be honest,” Kidd said.
“We have an extra session tonight (Monday) and we have a tackling guru coming along so hopefully he can give us a bit of a boost there.
“The third quarter we started a bit flat, which has been another problem for us this year, coming out flat after half time.”
Hayden Dwyer, Julian Goerlitz and Ethan Kennedy were shining lights in the loss, while Tom Toner (three goals) and Will Howe (two goals) competed hard.
Narre Warren will host Port Melbourne under lights at Kalora Park this Saturday in a must-win clash, hoping to welcome back a few experienced players.
