The Bulldogs relentlessly attacked John Worsfold’s wounded Eagles, the victory set up through hard work around the stoppages, and by dominating the contested possessions. (143-127)
With the Eagles boasting a formidable forward line, McKenna said the battle in the middle would be crucial in the GC SUNS plan to cut off the home sides inside-50 supply.
“I think that’s where the game is going to be won, the doggies showed that last week,” McKenna told reporters on Friday.
“Fortunately for us, over the course of the season we have actually gotten more inside-50 balls than West Coast so that’s certainly something we’ll be looking at doing tomorrow afternoon.”
While the Rory Thompson’s return will significantly bolster last week’s under siege back-six, McKenna said the team’s other key defenders would need to be at their best against the Eagle’s star forwards.
“Jack Darling, Josh Kennedy and Josh Hill all love kicking goals and taking the contest mark so getting Rory back is certainly going to help us on that front,” he said.
“Our other key defenders will also have their hands full that’s for sure.”
An injury-plagued 2012 campaign saw the Gold Coasters suffer a horrific 126-point hiding courtesy of the high-flying Eagles last year.
But with four of his key Gold Coasters having notched the significant 50-game mark for the club, and the added experience of another pre-season, McKenna is expecting to see a significantly different result on the scoreboard this time around.
“Last year with injuries, missing personnel and travel we weren’t in a good spot.”
“They were obviously in much better form and gave us a right wack, but we’re another year old and have become more experienced and composed.
“And although we’ve lost some key players that continuity and chemistry is getting there.”
