Neighbours Morwell and Moe will do battle tomorrow in the Gippsland League’s first Good Friday match at Morwell Football Ground.
“I think it’s exciting to be part of it,” Tigers coach Harmit Singh said.
“We have been lucky at Morwell, we’ve had the opportunity to play on Anzac Day, Queen’s Birthday and now Good Friday.”
Unbeaten since claiming its first premiership flag in 17 years, the Tigers will go into their third straight match at home as a firm favourite.
However Singh said his side, which disposed of Wonthaggi in round one and Drouin by a massive 187 points in round two, could still improve.
“Just with our ball movement and transition. Our running patterns can get better but it’s only round two, all sides will improve from week to week, we just have some things we need to tidy up,” Singh said.
“They (Moe) have got some really good people involved and I’m sure it will be a good contest. It will be a really good test for us this week.”
Moe is the competition’s big improver and, after a disappointing appearance against Morwell on Anzac Day last year, the Lions are excited for the Good Friday feature which is being trialled over two years.
“We are looking forward to it. They are the reigning premier, we know they are the favourite and we know we will be tested,” Moe Football Club president Manny Gelagotis said.
“I was pleased with the way we played last weekend, I saw some really, really quality signs.”
Moe coach Adrian Burgiel said the Good Friday clash would be a good test for his team which bounced back from a 10-goal loss to his former team Maffra to defeat Warragul by 135 points.
“Hopefully we can get a big crowd and with a bit of luck we can perform and put on a good show,” he said.
“I just want to be very competitive, don’t want to be blown out of the water. If we can stick with them then who knows, hopefully we can win.”
Burgiel conceded the match would be a huge challenge for his new team.
“Morwell is a very good side. They’ll be hard to beat especially at home,” he said.
In a big boost to their chances, former Trafalgar coach and premiership player Chris Kyriacou will make his highly anticipated debut for the Lions.
“Very experienced guy. He will definitely give us some strength down back,” Burgiel said.
New Lions personnel are also making an impact behind the scenes.
Dual Brownlow medallist and former Carlton star Greg Williams is playing an advisory role and said he liked what he had seen to date.
“We are just trying to make the club a bit more professional and just put a few systems in place and it’s looking good,” Williams said.
The club is also working to get the community on board and rallying behind the cause.
“We are engaging more with the business community and other sporting clubs and community groups to make them feel part of the membership base,” Gelagotis said.
The remainder of the competition will enjoy a rest this weekend as part of the split round three.
Traralgon’s clash with Drouin is among the four matches scheduled for next weekend, two of which will be played on Anzac Day.
