Tara Murray
Altona knows it has to lift its game in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division.
The A’s started the season with two good wins, but have dropped their next two games to fall back at the pack.
Coach and premier player Dane McKinnon said it had been a real mixed start for the side.
“We had a good start with two wins and then a wash out,” he said.
“The washout game was against Melbourne which has won the last two years. It was one that we were looking forward to.
“We had those two good wins away from home, but the last two weeks we’ve been a little bit disappointing.
“We would have liked to be 3-1 or 4-0 at this time of the season.”
McKinnon said this season was shaping up to be a close one, with teams needing to be on their best to ensure they come away with the points.
He said there had been some results early that not many people would have predicted.
“A lot of sides are capable of winning on their day,” he said.
“The two teams that have come up from division one are both tricky, especially on their home decks.
“We played Richmond Union and it was hard conditions, they were better than what we were.
“Fitzroy beat Deer Park and on paper I don’t think anyone thought they had a chance.
“You can’t take anyone lightly.”
McKinnon said they were hoping the next couple of weeks to get more of an idea who their best side is.
He said they had recruited a number of players this season across the club, which had resulted in the club going from five to seven teams.
“We’ve got a bit more depth which is good,” he said. “We’ve got a few new players playing in the first team.
“We’ve named three marquee players again this year. We’ve only had one of them at most in our games so far.
“We need to get everyone gelling and working together and work out what our best 16 looks like.”
McKinnon said they were hoping to have at least two of the three marquee players, David Ferguson, Ben Twist and Nick Cahill, in the lead up to the Christmas break.
He said having them on board strengthens the side up and they were happy to have them back on board against his year.
The A’s have the weekend off, with a competition wide bye due to the Victorian Open.
McKinnon said like usual the aim was to make finals this season.
“We’ll look to qualify for finals and see what happens.”
