Saints’ power wanes: Dowdle

Two key players are in doubt for the weekend, casting a shadow over third-placed North Wagga’s hopes to defeat fourth-placed Temora.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge,” North Wagga coach Nathan Dowdle said.

“They’ve hit some form, I rate them as a quality side.”

North Wagga narrowly defeated Temora 9.9 (63) to 7.15 (57) at McPherson Oval in round six.

Temora coach Christin Macri admitted their goal-kicks were letting them down, and in recent weeks Temora have been hitting targets upfront; Matt Harpley scored 10 goals against Charles Sturt University on Saturday.

Ever-vigilant to shut down talented opponents, Dowdle will be working without the help of North Wagga’s crucial back David Karlberg.

Karlberg was injured in a brutal collision on Saturday, coming off the ground in the last quarter.

“It was a big clash, he came off pretty groggy with bruising in his shoulder and hip,” Dowdle said.

Injured utility player Chad Hamblin rested on Saturday and may still be injured for the road trip to Temora.

North Wagga lost to The Rock-Yerong Creek last week, competitive until the final quarter.

“Hopefully we can get a little bit more run in our games,” Dowdle said.

Temora also dropped their intensity in the fourth having established a solid lead.

“It’s pretty hard when the game’s well and truly over, you’re just going through the motions,” Macri said.

Armed with the leadership and experience of North Wagga’s newly appointed coach for 2016, Kirk Hamblin, the Saints will certainly put up a fight.

Hamblin knew his skills would be under the microscope on Saturday, and thrived, named as the Saints best player.

“He showed his smarts; proved that he’s been around the game for a while,” Dowdle said.