The Roos are confident of a semi-final win against the ADFA/RMC Rams this weekend after a two-week rest, according to coach Wade Chalmers.
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“We’re confident, but not over confident,” he said.
Asked whether that is a benefit or hindrance to the team, Chalmers said it is a positive.
“Other events are going on in the club at the moment, including a couple of minor injuries, so it’s a chance for the players to recover.
However, Chalmers also said the lack of match practice “may have an effect”.
“But most of players in the team at this stage of the year are seasoned and are as fit as they can be, so the long rest probably won’t do damage,” he said.
Chalmers said playing against the Rams “won’t be an easy one, but we’re reasonably confident based on this year’s performance”.
The Roos played against the Rams only once (in round 10) this season, where the Roos triumphed by 20 points in a tight match.
“They [Rams] are a young and fit side and tend to run pretty well,” Chalmers said.
He said he believed the Roos have an advantage in team recruitment.
“The Rams are not as settled because they recruit yearly unlike other local teams.
“We may have an advantage there simply because our team has players together for longer,” he said.
The Roos earnt a fortnight’s rest courtesy of a bye in the final game and bypassing the first week of finals from topping the ladder.
The winner this weekend will play ANU or Ainslie (the other semi-finalists) in the Grand Final.