Waalitj Marawar’s build is still a work in progress but coach Adam Simpson says the young team is determined to be more competitive on the road.
A trip to face Kuwarna (Adelaide) on Sunday is the next opportunity to improve an away record that includes three defeats by 50 points or more and a closest margin of 26 points away from Optus Stadium this season.
Simpson has consistently declared that playing well at home is the first step for the developing team, however generating the same enthusiasm and gamestyle interstate is a focus.
“I still think we’re working on the first phase, really. Our home form has been better than away, so that’s good but we’ve (only) won three games,” Simpson said.
“It’s been a really good week for the footy club and we’ve had some really good performances, but we’ve got so much work to do - I don’t think we’ve mastered everything just yet.
“But our away form has been terrible so I think our best game was Sydney in Gather Round. Outside of that it’s been a completely different look than home.
“One of our goals is to be more competitive when we travel and this week is a really good opportunity.”
Simpson confirmed one change with midfield buill Elliot Yeo returning from two games out with a groin complaint, and Luke Edwards missing out.
“He’s arguably our best player, so we’re a better side with him in it,” Simpson said of Yeo.
“We’re trying to be a bit more balanced over the journey not to rely on one or two particular players but where we’re at at the moment our senior players are pretty important.
“(Jeremy) McGovern, (Tom) Barrass, Yeo, (Jack) Darling these types, when we win they play well.”
Several senior players are closing in on comebacks from injury, with ruck recruit Matt Flynn set to play his first game for the club for the WAFL Eagles on Saturday against Claremont.
Co-captain and last year’s leading goalkicker Oscar Allen is also not far off following his knee issue.
“Still really young that crew, but with Flynn coming in, we’ll have to make a call with Oscar when he comes back around the bye, (Tyler) Brockman comes back, I think there’ll be 13 guys at WAFL (this weekend),” Simpson said.
“The injuries are better this year, that’s for sure.
“We’ll just see how (Flynn) goes. I think he’s played 30-odd (AFL) games in eight years. I think he’s due to play a full game.
“We’ll see what his form is like, see how he’s feeling, how comfortable he is and look to get him in.”
