Heidelberg coach Frank Raso believes the Anzac Day clash with Macleod will provide a great test for his side after an impressive start to the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 season.
The Tigers head into Thursday’s game with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2016 – a year they went on to win the premiership with a 16-point grand final over the Roos.
2019 has provided a different tale for last year’s beaten grand finalist, who sits in eighth spot on the ladder after losing its opening two games of the season for the first time since 2013.
Despite his side posting convincing wins over reigning premier West Preston-Lakeside and Hurstbridge over the first two rounds, Raso believes the Anzac Day game will provide a true test of his side’s standing in the competition.
“West Preston were well-undermanned and Hurstbridge was a good hit-out. It’s only Round 2, and we can’t afford to get complacent, especially with Macleod,” Raso told NFNL.org.au.
“The morale’s been good. It’s pretty positive. The young guys have had big pre-seasons and are running good times on the track.”
Heidelberg has been well served by recruits Jack Blair, Anthony Bonaddio, Daniel O’Dwyer and Matt Schnerring in its opening two victories, with Blair sitting in second place in the Coaches MVP voting after two rounds.
The new faces have helped complement the young talent injected into side throughout 2018, including the likes of Matthew Cecchin, Jordan Sutterby and Nathan Honey who have cemented their place in the Tigers’ senior team.
“We had 16 under-19s play last year. 11 played over 10 games and this year they’ve come into the side a lot bigger and they’ve hit the gym,” Raso said.
“It’s been our development in terms of strength and fitness that has really helped the whole side.
“I feel like our boys have gone from boys to men over the last 12 months. It’s only a start but the signs look pretty good.”
Macleod has had the better of the Tigers over the past two years, winning the past four outings between the sides by an average of 63 points.
That includes 82 and 81-point triumphs in the two meetings in 2018, where the Tigers managed a combined total of just six goals.
Raso believes the memories of last year’s heavy defeats to the Roos will give his side added motivation heading into the highly-anticipated match on Anzac Day.
“There’s a few senior players who’ll remember the two games where they really touched us up in last year,” Raso said.
“I thought their pressure last year really overpowered our under-19s kids.
“You always remember the last time you play against good sides and they’ve obviously played in a lot of grand finals.
“All our senior players have got a point to prove from themselves and for the team to say that they’re capable of playing seniors, so there’s a small motivation for them.”
Macleod is set to welcome back a host of key players for Thursday’s game, with Lucas Hobbs, Justin White, Brad Leggett, Patrick Martin and Hamish Paynter all named after missing the loss to Montmorency in Round 2.
Raso is weary of the threat provided by an opposition looking to respond and believes his side will have to play to its strengths to notch a third-straight win.
“Our speed and decision making by hand and foot is a great strength of ours going into this week,” Raso said.
“Our game is built around pressure. So, without that running ability we can’t perform as well as we want to.
“They like to play a real short game so hopefully our speed and pressure can force them to turn the ball over and we can take advantage”.
