MANGOPLAH-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes big man Andrew Dickins believes Leeton-Whitton’s breakthrough last weekend has provided renewed hope to rival teams.
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Leeton-Whitton breathed life into the Riverina League premiership race when they became the first team this season to defeat ladder leaders Collingullie-Glenfield Park.
The Crows have enjoyed a big fortnight with wins over reigning premiers Wagga Tigers and then Collingullie, and now face another test against the second-placed MCUE.
Dickins says the Crows’ win over the Demons shows how open the competition is.
“Definitely, being such an even year, everyone gets an opportunity,” Dickins said.
“Anyone in the top five will have a crack at it, depending on where and how the chips fall at the end of the year.
“No one is unbeatable and Leeton showed that. We’re all flesh and bones so there’s no such thing as unbeatable.”
Dickins, 24, is in his sixth season at MCUE.
He has been there for the Goannas’ two grand final defeats, as well as a number of other finals campaigns.
Dickins believes the maturity of this year’s playing group sets them apart from the teams that have just missed in previous seasons.
“Guys like Tom Keogh, Pat Killalea, that group now are 22-23 now and are at a much more mature stage,” he said.
“There is no nonsense about them now, they’re switched on, everyone’s a little bit older, a little bit stronger and a lot more switched on.
“We’re also training harder, which is really good to see. Then guys like Dyl (de Britt), Jordie (Foster) and Nath (Byrne) have added some heavier bodies and it’s relieved other blokes. It’s pushed them out onto flanks and other positions and they’re no longer playing with the world on their shoulders. They’re a lot freer.”
Dickins shouldered most of the ruck responsibilities last year, but has spent more time forward this year with the arrival of Nathan Byrne.
Dickins has still made a big impact when going into the middle, but is happy to perform whatever role will best help MCUE achieve success.
“I’m a team player and will do whatever is best for the team,” he said.
“Forward, back, the ruck, it doesn’t worry me. It’s more about the team and at the end of the day, helping us get to that last day in September.”
The Goannas welcome back Will Keogh from injury, but lose Jake Whitley for the trip to Leeton, while the Crows have not made any changes.
“It will be a tough, physical game. I spoke to a few Gullie boys after the weekend and they said they were very physical,” Dickins said.