By LIAM TWOMEY
THE 2013 season has seen a reversal of roles for the Spotswood Football Club. No longer at the top of the tree as the Western Region Football League’s premiership favourites, the Woodsmen have become the hunters.
The two targets in sight for coach Chris O’Keefe are reigning premier Altona and top of the table Deer Park.
From their three hit-outs against the top two sides, the Woodsmen have gone 0-3 but at a club that has built a reputation on producing its best form in September, there is no panic.
“We are definitely up for the challenge,” O’Keefe said.
“Everyone expects Deer Park to win the premiership this year. That is up to them to handle that pressure as they see fit.
“We played Deer Park and had a good look at them and we will play them again in a few weeks’ time and have another look at them. We will continue to formulate some plans to knock them off whether it be this time around or hopefully during the finals. The same goes with Altona.”
Despite being unable to secure a win against the top two sides, the Woodsmen have remained competitive.
In the two clashes against Altona, the margins have been three and 17 respectively while in its one battle with Deer Park, Spotswood lost by 26 after being up by two points at three quarter time.
“The key to winning big games is being able to execute under pressure. Execute your game plan and execute your skills,” O’Keefe said.
“That is probably something that hasn’t happened as well as I would have liked it.
“I’ve got pretty high standards for the guys and so do they and we are under no illusion that is the main sticking point with it.
“We know we have got a list that is talented enough, it is just a matter of getting there on the Saturday and on the big matches under pressure.”
Spotswood will take on Deer Park for the second time in round 16.
