Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong coach Christin Macri is not looking any further ahead than Sunday as he looks to keep the Lions’ premiership hopes alive.
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The Lions’ flag chances were dealt a blow in the opening week of finals as they went down to Collingullie-Glenfield Park by five points in a thriller at Robertson Oval.
No team has been able to recover from a qualifying final loss and go on to win the Riverina League premiership in the past 15 years but that statistic is the furthest thing from Macri’s mind.
“We’re totally focused on this weekend, that’s all we can focus on,” Macri said.
“If you go looking ahead, you’ll get done. We won’t even think about that, we’ve got a very strong opposition we’ve got to play against on Sunday and that’s our sole focus.
“What history says, history says but our history will be written this Sunday on whether we win or lose. Hopefully we can move through with a win.”
Macri watched on as Leeton-Whitton kept their season alive last Sunday with a 19-point win over Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.
He knows they won’t be an easy proposition in Sunday’s first semi-final at Narrandera Sportsground.
“They were certainly impressive,” he said.
“After being down by five goals, it was a brilliant response and to get it back so quickly was very impressive.
“We’ll have to get our hands on the footy. They’ve certainly got a couple of good midfielders in O’Garey, Rainbird and Jimmy Nancarrow and Dryburgh is a lot taller than the ruckman Olsso has been up against so that will present a different challenge for him.
“We’re going to have to play our best to get the win so we’ll see what happens.”
GGGM wingman Zac Wiencke injured his ankle in last weekend’s loss to the Demons and is in doubt for the clash against the Crows.
Macri will give him until the last minute to prove his fitness, while midfielder Scott Proctor will not return from a hamstring injury.
“Zac’s touch and go,” he said.
“I give him a chance. It’s not as bad as we first thought on Saturday night. He’s done a power of work icing it and it’s really responded well.
“We’ll put him in and give him a chance. The improvement it’s shown in the past four days is amazing so you never know.”
Macri said the Lions must improve their ball use on Sunday and be cleaner and quicker with their movement forward.
He also backed his defensive six to be able to handle the Crows’ tall forward line that boasts Jade Hodge, Daniel Muir, Cooper Sharman and Brad Boots.
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