It feels like we are saying this a lot, but it was a huge week for us with Monash away.  With a finals berth on the line and some tough games coming up it is fair to say that it was a must win for us – especially after the disappointment of the week before.  Unfortunately, our numbers were depleted yet again and we were down to 4 on the bench and with the Big Don doing his hammy 5 minutes in we were always going to be up against it.

Fortunately for us we welcomed the return of Woodley from the Xavier team as well as Denton Jnr in his first hit out for the Old Xavs.  Both starred throughout and fitted in well to our structures from the outset.  We were all over Monash early but failed to capitalise on our opportunities so the scoreboard did not reflect our efforts.  The game continued along this trend and we were very happy with our endeavour but were just doing a ‘few’ things a ‘little bit’ wrong and these were hurting us big time.  We continued to bomb away off half back and were hurt on the rebound as such.  But it was hard to be critical because we were doing so many of the other non-negotiables well.

So at 3 quarter time we found ourselves equal on the scoreboard and with winner all but guaranteed a finals berth there was nothing pretty about what was required, the team that wanted to win would win.  Monash were absolutely pumped at the huddle but I sensed our guys were ready to lift.  With 3 on the bench we had no better chance to witness how much guts we had, especially in lieu of our recent performances.

So the siren blew and immediately we pounced.  By pure guts and determination we put the blow torch on Monash and kicked 4 in 5 minutes.  Though our rotations were cutback completely, not one bloke out there gave in and we continued until the final siren.  Whilst it was an ugly win it was right up there with our best for the season.

With the 2nd placed Mazenod away this week – our finals campaign starts now.  We’ve got the talent, we just need the endeavour to match it.  On last weeks performance these blokes will achieve the unachievable.