WAGGA Tigers captain-coach Shaun Campbell has declared the pressure rests on Collingullie-Glenfield Park when the two teams meet for the first time this year on Saturday.
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The reigning premiers have quickly been overtaken by Collingullie-Glenfield Park as the team to beat in the Riverina League courtesy of their undefeated start to the season.
The Demons have won seven straight games to start the season, and only need to defeat Tigers at Crossroads Oval on Saturday to complete a clean sweep of the opening round of games.
Campbell knows exactly how the Demons feel, after Tigers won 10 straight to begin last season on their way to premiership glory.
“They’ll be red hot, as they always are,” Campbell said of Collingullie-GP.
“Everyone seems to get up for us and they’ll be super, raring to go more than ever. They’ve got a bit to prove as well, so we’re looking for a big game.”
Campbell went on to explain that the pressure will be on Collingullie to keep winning.
“They’ve got to keep beating sides, especially with the side they’ve got,” he said.
Campbell believes Tigers’ experience from last season can help bring the Demons down.
“Definitely, we’ve been in that position, we know how it feels and what we’re going to need to do to bring it unstuck.”
Campbell said the key to a win over the Demons will be pressure.
“Our pressure’s got to be up,” he said.
“And you’ve got to have belief. If you’re done in your head beforehand then you’re no chance.
“You’ve got to be confident.”
While the Demons are cruising, Tigers will travel to Collingullie on the back of a surprise draw to Turvey Park last Saturday.
Tigers led by 26 points at three-quarter-time and could not manage a single score in the final term as they limped to a draw.
Campbell is not going to wield the axe at selection but Tigers will be boosted by the return of Shaun Driscoll and Nathan Dowdle.
Key forward Rob Tuohey is a 50-50 chance to return from injury.
Campbell expects his team to come out firing.
“I expect us to respond pretty well, even though we’re up against the top side,” he said.
“We just did the normal video review this week, looked at a few things to work on, no different to any other week.
“I expect us to come out and play some good footy, that’s how I think we’ll respond.”
Collingullie-GP are expected to be boosted by the inclusion of mid-season recruit Steve Jolliffe.
The Demons have put in a clearance for Jolliffe but it is yet to be approved by Wodonga Raiders.