Coleambally are intent on reclaiming their reputation as one of the league's most feared road trips as they chase momentum following their first win of the season.
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The Blues enjoyed a comfortable eight-goal win at Temora last Saturday but can expect a tougher challenge from East Wagga-Kooringal (who kicked 19.22 in a 97-point win against the 'Roos before a bye last week).
Coleambally co-coach Luke Hillier says after two losses at home already this year they need to stand up and be counted against EWK.
"We've spoken about it after both our home games already," Hillier said.
"We normally do play well here so after having two losses, trying to win the rest of our home games will be a goal of ours. It would take the pressure off.
"Getting back-to-back wins will be crucial, especially going into the bye the week after this, but East Wagga are obviously a good side so it's not going to be easy."
In their return to finals in 2019, five of the Blues' seven wins came at home. And most seasons, they've claimed one or two big scalps in Coleambally.
Slow starts in their home games against Charles Sturt University and North Wagga were costly in the first three weeks but it was something the Blues improved on at Temora last week.
Hillier said that first win eases pressure and lifted confidence and they'll be desperate to be firing early again against the Hawks.
"It was fast footy to start with and we got off to a good start, which is what we've been working on," he said.
"We were happy with how we jumped out of the blocks a lot quicker than past weeks.
"Getting that first win takes a lot of pressure off the shoulders, everyone's up and about and feeling a lot better about themselves. We played a lot better than what we have been and it was good to get some confidence back.
Jake Breed had a big game up forward and through the middle, where Tom Groves was also vital, while Jade Hodge (six goals) presented a strong target.
But the Blues' big concern remains consistency.
"That's what hurt us again (at Temora). We probably only played 15 minutes of each quarter that were good and had 10 minutes of a lapse," Hillier said.
"When we were on for those 15 minutes we were flying but then that 10 minutes, it was back to playing bad footy again.
"As soon as we can start playing four quarters of footy and improve, we know our best can be up there with the top teams."
The Blues will be without backman Tom Mannes after a knee injury last week and are awaiting the verdict on how serious it is. However, Jesse Spencer will return to the side.
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