“We're aiming for a top three spot”: Moe and Leongatha football teams look to solidify ladder position

Round nine of the Gippsland League football season is finished and with half the season done the two clubs at the top of the ladder, Moe Lions and Leongatha Parrots, are cautiously optimistic about their upcoming matchup.

The Gippsland Monitor spoke to the head coaches of both teams about their prospects for the rest of the season.

Moe Lions head coach, Leigh Poholke, said the upcoming stretch of games is “really important. We play the second, third and fourth teams in a six-week block. It’s a really good test to see where we're at”.

Poholke said at this juncture in the season most clubs are experiencing injuries, and Moe is no different, but that “we couldn't be happier the first half of the year”.

Leongatha’s only loss this season was to Moe, (15.13)103 to (8.8)56, in round four.

“They hadn't seen us before,” said Poholke. “They didn't have much tape or much of an idea of how we played. They'll be a much better side the second time around, I've no doubt.”

Leongatha and Moe are at the top of the ladder with eight wins and one loss. They face off again on Saturday July 19 in round 13.

“That Leongatha game, at this stage, would appear to be for top spot,” Poholke said.

The coach is playing a long game, prioritising the health of his squad ahead of winning every fixture: “Health is your biggest friend come finals. That's definitely the motto we're taking. We're more interested in getting healthy than finishing on top.”

Leongatha head coach, Trent McMicking, echoed these thoughts.

“We're aiming for a top three spot,” he said. “Which gives us a double chance. I think if you get a double chance you're in a good spot to give it a shake.”

McMicking said one of Leongatha’s strengths was its list of talented young recruits like Levi Hickey, Xavier Bolge, Ty Hall and Hayden Lindsay.

He said Leongatha had a tough month ahead.

“We've got Traralgon this week, which will be really difficult with a few injuries, we always have really good games against them. Then Sale in Sale is always a challenge, no matter where you are on the ladder. Then Bairnsdale will play here and they’re a much improved side.

“All the games could go either way.”