Northern Knights were shown how you should attack the ball on Saturday and were made to pay for it with a heavy loss to Tasmania in the TAC Cup.
Tasmania was fierce at the ball from the start of the game at Preston City Oval and made the most of their inside-50s to win 16.16 (112) – 7.10 (52).
Knights coach Andrew Shakespeare said his side wasn’t competitive for long enough.
“We wanted to pride ourselves on our fierce competitiveness but Tasmania really showed us up,” he said.
“Aspects of our game have really improved, but on others we still have massive work to do.
“We got the ball inside 50, which is an improvement. We had 53 entries, the most we have had this year, but we weren’t able to keep the ball inside forward 50 when it was there, which came down to our competitiveness.”
Compounding the Knights struggles was Tasmania’s conversion rate from inside-50s to scoring shots.
“Tasmania had 40 inside-50s and 32 scoring shots, which is unprecedented,” Shakespeare said.
“They were able to get through the midfield and at times there was not enough pressure.
“With our defence, their starting points at times were questioned.
“On occasions we did what we needed to; on occasions we chose not to.
“We need to be more focused on the whole team, not playing as individuals.”
Brayden Fiorini was best on ground for the Knights up forward and in the middle with 37 possessions.
Captain Jade Gresham tried hard and kicked a goal while up forward, and Max Maynard’s tackling work is something Shakespeare said would be highlighted at training.
The Knights have this week off because of the opening round of the national under-18 championships.
Fiorini, Gresham and Knights teammates Darcy McPherson, Tyrone Leonardis and James El Moussalli were named in the Vic Metro squad which plays Vic Country.
McPherson will miss the game because of injury, while fingers are crossed for Moussalli.
“James popped his shoulder on Saturday,” Shakespeare said.
“It popped straight back in and he will have scans. Fingers crossed he can still play in the match. He is excited to.”
The Knights have only one win for the season.
The Calder Cannons returned to the winners’ list against the Bendigo Pioneers, winning 18.13 (121) – 13.6 (84).
