LEETON-WHITTON coach Jade Hodge will remained sidelined for this weekend’s important game against the Griffith Swans.
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Hodge is out with an injured hamstring, but was hoping to get back to training on Thursday night.
The Crows have the bye next weekend, so sitting the next fortnight out could assist in the recovery heading into finals.
This weekend’s game against the Swans will be a big test for the Crows, who have been in decent form in recent weeks.
However, Griffith remain the ladder-leaders, having not lost a match all season.
Hodge believes the Swans are beatable and is hopeful it will be the Crows who can do just that.
“I probably sound like a broken record a bit, but any team on their day is beatable,” he said.
“I think our strengths are our that we’re not predictable.
“We’re a young, fast, exciting side. Griffith are good at controlling the footy.
“What we need to do is break that down and use it to our advantage.”
There’s a strong possibility the Crows will welcome back Tyh Evans this weekend, but Bailey Wood will be out after suffering a concussion last weekend.
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Hodge said there may be other changes made, but they would be decided on Thursday night at training.
Not only is the match a big one for the Crows, but there will be the added incentive of performing well in front of former AFL Collingwood star Dane Swan.
Swan is in town for a sportmen night which will be hosted by the Crows later that evening.
Hodge said the plan for the Crows would be to control and apply pressure to the Swans.
“Our pressure is going to be crucial,” the coach said.
“If we can apply pressure across the field and really test the Swans, we’ll be heading in the right direction.
“Every week we always want to start well, so that’s going to be a big part of it too.”
A victory on Saturday would not only let the rest of the competition know the Crows are a real force again in 2018, but also give them some breathing room, with the Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong Lions right on their tail in sixth position on the ladder.
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