Scorps on the run

By Peter Sweeney
A PRE-SEASON turf and irrigation problem with their home ground could be a blessing in disguise, Casey Scorpions coach Brad Gotch believes.
“We couldn’t use the corridor of the ground for training – and had to use the flanks and wings … I reckon it has made us fitter,” Gotch told sponsors and supporters at an informal get-together on Wednesday night.
“We’ve lost some name players, but I think we’ve got more depth. And I think Alex (fitness advisor Alex Sakadijan) has the players much fitter.
“We’ve trained differently and did a lot more running. In hindsight, the corridor problem has helped us.”
Minutes earlier, Gotch has put his squad through a “mini-match” session, trying to sharpen their skills – and knowledge of zoning and pressing – and getting them to know the style he believes can take them places.
The first place they are heading is to Eureka Stadium on Saturday – where maximum skills and fitness will be required.
Though North Ballarat will take the field with only about one-third of their 2010 premiership squad, they are the reigning kings. In fact, they have been for the past three years.
After a shock 10-point loss at home to the Bendigo Bombers last Saturday, the Rebels won’t be in a welcoming mood. And 10 seems the figure of the week. That’s the margin the Scorpions lost to Port Melbourne by last Saturday. And, strangely enough, the figure the Scorpions beat North Ballarat by, at Ballarat, last year.
That result, in a Rebels premiership year, and the likeness between Casey Fields and Eureka Stadium, will hold few fears for the Scorpions.
“It’s hard and fast (Brad, this is Ballarat) and big like our ground,” Gotch said.
“I have only seen one quarter on the tape of their game last Saturday, and they have lost a lot of players, but they have got some North Melbourne listed players (Cunnington, Anthony, Garlett, Edwards and Pratt) and are so well coached.”
Rebels boss Gerard FitzGerald is a household name in the VFL; and, coincidentally, coached Springvale (the Scorpions pre-Casey getting involved) in 2003. Gotch had coached them in 1996/97.
The Scorpions will go to Ballarat without their most dangerous forward, Michael Newton. Newton, who kicked 11 goals in the first two rounds, accepted a one-week penalty for striking Port Melbourne’s Jade Edwards in a willing third quarter last Saturday.
Besides having his number taken by two umpires, Newton walked away from TEAC Oval with six goals.
Sadly, opportunist Rian McGough did a hamstring in the final minutes of that contest and will also be a spectator. Gotch is planning on no other players being likewise.