It wasn’t just the temperature that heated up today at Windy Hill – training turned up a notch as the battle to secure a place in Friday night’s blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs at the Dome became a focal point.
One player likely to be assured a place in the NAB Cup quarter final side is young midfielder Angus Monfries, who stood out in last weekend’s match with his sharp skills and hunger for the football.
“I think we went up to
“We went out there with the intention of taking risks and taking them on and apply lots of defensive pressure which I think we did really well and I think we set a standard for our club this year and I think we need to try to maintain that for the rest of the year.
“It was a matter of the younger guys getting an opportunity while the senior guys were having a bit of a rest and I think everyone stood up really well.”
With a number of senior players set to return to the side this Friday night, Monfries believes the battle to secure a place will benefit the Bombers as players work tirelessly to prove their worth.
“Everyone has been really competitive this whole preseason,” Monfries said.
“I think what the younger guys showed on the weekend is that it is going to be really competitive for a spot, so everyone is trying to work really hard and impress in these trial games to put their name forward for round one.
""Matthew Knights has said that no matter who you are this year, players need to earn their place in the side and I think that is a good thing to have around this footy club.”
Despite only playing one game under the new coach, Monfries felt that the team responded well and is enthusiastic about what Knights will bring to the Bombers.
“I think with a new coach, everyone has a clean slate,” Monfries said.
“Everyone wanted to go out there and prove a point to Knighter that they could play footy again and it was just a bonus that it was the first competitive match for us this year and that we were able to walk away with the points.
