Spirit ready for tough match

Doug Gillett | 9th July 2010

BUNDABERG Spirit coach Richard Mitchell has issued an eerie warning to his team as it prepares to travel to Mareeba.

Ray Miller, of the Spirit, on the ball.

BUNDABERG Spirit coach Richard Mitchell has issued an eerie warning to his team as it prepares to travel to Mareeba to face QSL heavyweights Far North Queensland Bulls.

Mitchell has described the Bulls’ home ground Borzi Park as a graveyard for visiting teams, with the skeletons of over-confident and under-prepared teams buried beneath the playing surface.

“They’re a good side week-in, week-out, but when they play at home they’re merciless,” he said.

Mitchell said the Bulls’ attack-focused formula of free-running football was particularly potent at home and he has prepared his troops for a tense encounter.

“It’s a cemetery out there. There is a long list of teams that have come undone,” he said.

The Spirit will enter the match eager to continue recent good form, after earning two wins and a draw – against QSL leader Sunshine Coast Fire – in its past three outings.

The win would be crucial if the Spirit was to climb from the bottom of the competition ladder for the first time in two years, Mitchell said.

“The recent wins have given the boys a wee lift, but we need to make sure we take it in our stride and stay hungry and focused,” he said.

Spirit will be without seasoned midfield campaigner Laurie Stevenson and centre back Corey Haack, after they felt the wrath of the referee in the heated defeat of North Queensland Razorbacks last week.

“It’s quite a blow to us. The two boys will be missed but we can’t moan and groan about it. We need to get on with it and focus on the game ahead,” Mitchell said.

The return of Tom Kimber from suspension will be timely and Mitchell has briefed the fullback on the importance of containing the attacking movements of a well-honed Bulls forward line.

“It’s going to be all hands on deck,” he said.
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