Brighton Renault Dewar Shield Match of the Round Preview - Round 3

Fri, May 10, 2019, 2:00 AM
Rugby Vic Media
by Rugby Vic Media
Photo by Kevin Juggins
Photo by Kevin Juggins

The Brighton Renault Dewar Shield Round 3 Match of the Round will see Footscray take on top of the table Box Hill at Henry Turner Reserve.

We caught up with both sides before their Round 3 clash to hear their thoughts on their sides preparations and what they believe the opposition will bring game day.

Footscray - Paul Vaeluaga

How was the teams pre-season preparations? 

Preparations during pre-season have been good.  The boys have been working with a strength & conditioning coach which has made a massive difference, and has rapidly bought the boys fitness levels up to where we need them to be in time for the season ahead.

How does the team taking the field this weekend look compared to the one that took to the field in 2018?

Vastly different from last year, we have a few players that have stepped up, and some new faces which we have been working very closely with to give us what we ultimately need to be competitive this season.

Any new key recruits we should look out for this weekend?

We have some pretty talented players right throughout, and each offer us something different so from that perspective their all very key.

How do you feel your side performed in Round 2 against Melbourne?

We went into that game with a good plan, and we executed very well and controlled the game in patches of both the 1stand 2ndhalves.  But the boys showed good heart, but Melbourne deserved the credit and they played well to get the win.

2 from 2 in 2019, what do you think Box Hill will bring to the match-up in Round 3 of the 2019 competition?

Their forwards lay the platform for their backs, who like to use their flair and skill to expose oppositions out wide. We're expecting they will play to their strengths, and will be a good test for our boys.

Which players do you expect to fire for Box Hill this weekend?

Their one of the few teams who have threats all throughout the park, so am expecting them to bring their game on Saturday.

Box Hill - Tim Belcher

How was the teams pre-season preparations?

Pre-season started early January with excellent buy in and attendance from our senior playing group including Colts, U18 and U16. DT from Conquest Gym is to be commended on running an excellent program. We had two internal trials, a trial match v Rams and a successful Dewar Shield pre-season Cup campaign with a 29-28 win over Quins in the final game which also saw each club field 2s, 3s and Colts on the same day.

How does the team taking the field this weekend look compared to the one that took to the field in 2018?

Being new to Box Hill I can't comment really on 2018 season but a lot of the familiar faces are back with a clear focus on what needs to be done. We still have our flare and attacking mindset but hopefully with a little bit more discipline and patience.

Any new key recruits we should look out for this weekend?

The squad is similar to 2018 but look out for young Lock Ravu Vueta who has come from Sydney this year, was a wing but I've converted him to a Lock. Has great skills, aerial ability and a great turn of pace, really has been a find for us.

How do you feel your side performed in Round 2 against Moorabbin?

Look I was impressed with Rams they played really well for 20-25 mins. Put us under a lot of pressure. Half time we re grouped and had a solution focused discussion on what we needed to do better as a group. We put 40 points on in just under 30 minutes and nailed our processes really well.

What do you think Footscray will bring to the match-up?

Look we are focused on ourselves really, the minute you start worrying about your opponent you take your eye of the prize. I don't know much about them being new to the Dewar Shield as a coach but from what I've seen they are a very physical side and you can't underestimate any side, particularly at home. They will be hungry i'm sure and keen to knock us over.

Which players do you expect to fire for Footscray this weekend?

Again I'm more concerned about what we do and how we do it. But it's not rocket science that anyone that pulls on their club strip wants to fire for their club, I wouldn't expect anything less. We certainly respect them and know we will like any game need to earn the win. Each week brings a set of new challenges and this week will be no different. 

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