GANMAIN-Grong Grong-Matong coach Jayden Kotzur is not reaching for the panic button just yet despite the Lions’ shaky start to the year.
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The Lions have won just two of their opening five games and sit in seventh position on the Riverina League ladder heading into Sunday’s clash with Griffith.
GGGM copped an 80-point hiding from Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes before the representative bye and will be out to turn their season around against the Swans.
Kotzur was disappointed with their latest performance but maintains it is not panic stations at GGGM yet.
“Not at this time of year,” Kotzur said.
“We’re obviously disapoointed that we’re losing games of footy, especially by as much as what we are, but we’ve got a lot of new faces this year, a lot of young kids as well.
“At this point, after round five, I’m not too concerned but we just need to start winning games of footy now.”
Kotzur said the even nature of this year’s competition makes wins so important.
“That’s the beauty of the comp at the moment,” he said.
“Wins on the board is massive.
“You look at a side like Coolamon, whose been a quality footy side for a lot of years, they’ve won three games within nine points that’s the difference between top of the ladder or sitting middle of the road.
“It just comes back to winning games at the moment.”
GGGM is likely to get some relief for Sunday’s clash at Ganmain Sportsground.
Lachlan Steward, Luke Walsh and Nathan McPherson are all expected to return from injury, while Curtis Steele remains doubtful.
Mitch Steele is still about a month away from a return due to busy work commitments.
Kotzur expects Griffith to be equally as desperate for the four points on Sunday.
“They’re just the same boat as us, we’re both dying for four points,” he said.
“We’re both needing to get the four points really.
“We’re expecting a tight contest, they’ve picked up some quality playuers, and already had a mix of quality players, so it’s going to be a tough game.”
Kotzur, James Lawton and Andrew Clarke will all go into the game in-form after strong performances for Riverina League against Tallangatta at Robertson Oval last weekend.
The same can be said for Griffith’s James Toscan, who performed very well in the unlkely position of full-back.
Jono Gastin picked up a finger injury in the win but returned and is expected to right for the Swans on Sunday.
