Rising up and rivalling leaders

It has been an arduous 13 rounds for the team who lost four players in the off-season, experienced just two wins, and to top it off, were docked points for not supplying a duty referee one week.

But a recent breakthrough has given the team hope, “light at the end of the tunnel,” according to captain Alex McKenzie.

Before round 11 the Daily Advertiser reported the Wizards would be hard-pressed to beat the Cobras; now in second by just one point.

But the Wizards were determined not to be written off.

They gelled, and mustered up the most rewarding victory of the season, beating the favourites 7-4.

“That might have been the turning point for us, when we beat the team that’s most likely going to win it,” McKenzie said.

He was pleased to witness younger team mates reach their potential.

“I think some of the younger fellas stood up and decided to have a go, it took the heat off the old fellas, and caught the Cobras off guard,” McKenzie said.

Since they have drawn with closest rivals, the Quolls, 7-7 and with MJR Electrics 7-7.

There are six rounds remaining for the Wizards to jump from the wooden spoon position into fourth and qualify for finals. 

“The Quolls are our biggest rivals, they’re the ones we want to knock off for fourth position,” McKenzie said.

The Quolls have also been catching up with top contenders recently, equalling Jims Mowing Casuals and the Cobras.

It’s a tight competition, and McKenzie believes the Wizards have what it takes to beat the best in the league.

“Us beating the Cobras shows that it’s pretty even across the board,” he said.

With Mitch Carey, on the wing and Lachie Harper in the middle, the Wizards aren’t short on talent.

“Mitch scores and stops a few tries too, he’s pretty good for us, and Lachie does all the hard yards, setting tries up,” McKenzie said.

Despite the slow start, McKenzie would rather be playing in the premier league than having easy wins in a lower grade, and encourages A Grade teams to consider joining the premier league next season.

“They’re only going to get better for the experience,” McKenzie said.