MCUE coach Travis Cohalan not taking any risks in game against Griffith

The Goannas will finish their home and away season at Exies Oval on Saturday against the Swans ahead of the final round bye.

While MCUE is still an outside chance of returning to third spot, the Goannas won’t be risking any sore or injured players against the undefeated Swans.

Cohalan said his number one priority is the first week of finals, which he most likely be an elimination final showdown against Leeton-Whitton.

“We’re definitely taking a conservative and cautious approach,” Cohalan said.

“With the bye next week before finals, if we play our cards right this week then we might be at full-strength for the first time since round one come finals, which would be exciting for everyone.

“In saying that, I’ve got confidence in the 22 that we pick will go over and be very competitive.”

MCUE captain Ryan Price (ankle) and former skipper Trent Cohalan (pectoral) both will not play against Griffith.

Impressive teenage defender Jack Carey (hand) and Paddy Griffin (knee) will also be out. Griffin may not return this year.

Stace Creasy (hamstring) and Matt Collins (back) have both been named but will be given until Saturday morning to make a decision.

“We’ll see how they feel but at this stage they’ll play,” he said.

“We’ll give them until Saturday morning. We won’t be taking any risks. Our priority is, probably, the elimination final against Leeton-Whitton. We’re really setting ourselves for that and anyone with any injury won’t play.”

Griffith defeated MCUE by 23 points earlier in the year, in what was a wet weather contest at Mangoplah.

That was the start of a disappointing six-week stretch for the Goannas but they have started to turn the corner with back-to-back wins over Narrandera and Turvey Park.

Griffith will go into the game on the back of their closest call of the season, a two-point win over Collingullie-Glenfield Park at Crossroads Oval.

Cohalan would love to give the Swans a good shake.

“While we’re definitely taking a conservative approach because that’s the smart play, on the other side of the coin, we try our hardest to win every single game,” he said.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to go across to Griffith and play the best team in the comp. Last week they pointed out that they hadn’t played many games with finals-like intensity so we’re certainly hoping that we might be able to give them a good test.” 

Griffith will be without James Taylor, Jacob Conlan and Heath Northey on Saturday.

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