Panton Hill coach Steve Layt says his side must be ready for Laurimar’s gut-running style of play when the sides lock horns in a much-anticipated encounter on Saturday.
The two sides are considered the leading flag contenders in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 and meet in a twilight blockbuster at A.E. Cracknell Reserve in Round 4.
Laurimar sits atop the ladder following three-consecutive wins to start the season, while Panton Hill has been dominant in two victories over Old Eltham Collegians and South Morang, before sitting out Round 3 with a bye.
It was the Power’s run and carry which helped them defeat Panton Hill by 15 points when the sides last meet in Round 10 last season. That was despite trailing by 18 points at three quarter time.
Layt said he has been impressed by what Laurimar has produced this season and under playing-coach Justin Sherman.
“Laurimar are one of the hardest working sides going around,” Layt told NFNL.com.au.
“They work defensively and offensively really well and that’s typical of Justin, the way he goes about it. He’s really got them working hard.
“They’re young and youthful and they can dominate. We have to be really careful of that because they can catch you off guard, which they did last year.”
Layt believe the key to beating the Power is to work hard defensively to stop their running game.
“We’ve got to match it,” Layt said.
“First of all, we’ve got to try and defensively work hard in terms of nullifying their run as they have a few key players who are really strong off half back and through their wings.
“We’ve got to work just as hard and match their defensive run as well and if not better than what they’re currently doing.
“It comes down to the midfield. We’ve really got to have a dominant night in the middle to nullify that run.
“That’s asking a lot for us because that’s something we’re always trying to get better at so that’s a good area of our game that is going to test us on Saturday night.”
Both sides boast impressive forward lines ahead of what could turn into a shootout.
Panton Hill will line-up with Rhys Boyden, Matthew Byron and Alek Tsardakis inside forward 50, while Laurimar forwards Josh Williamson (15 goals), Dallas King (8) and Jacson Cecil (8) have all been in great form across the opening three rounds.
Layt believes a big effort is required from his side’s defenders to stop the impact of Laurimar’s key forwards.
“We have got to help our defenders out with Williamson and King, who are really good forwards,” he said.
“Williamson in particular is so elusive, agile and a good finisher, so we’ve got to help our boys out.
“We have to be prepared to sacrifice our game to help our defenders, so I’m looking for some hard running defensively to give our key defenders a chance against King and Williamson in particular.”
Panton Hill will welcome back Nathan Hendry, who returns from injury this week.
Hendry starred in his return game to the Redbacks in the Round 1 triumph at Old Eltham Collegians and Layt is thrilled to have him back against the Power.
“(He) will be a nice addition because he’s such a hard-working player and he’s physically strong, in and under and an important player for us.”
