Brookvale coach Mark Hunt heads a perennially strong outfit which sits second on the MWFA Premier League ladder with seven wins in 9 games. And this Saturday at Grahams Reserve, against rising Curl Curl FC – six wins in 9 games including the last five straight – Hunt has decided to think outside the square.
Asked his game plan for third-placed Curl Curl, Hunt said: “Sounds like I might have try a 1950s line up of 1-2-3-5!”
He jests, of course.
Or does he? Curl Curl is clearly in form and all-out attack might not be the worst tactic against a team that’s netted 16 goals in its last five games conceded just 3. With his serious hat on, Hunt acknowledged that his team faces a genuine contender in Curl Curl FC.
“They have recruited extensively for this season. Some good acquisitions who are known to our lads. Five wins on the trot is not easy in this league.
“We know they won’t give us an inch so we’ll have to win our one-on-one contests. The lads know that. They know that winning those battles will entitle us to play the expansive, attacking game we can. It’s the best way to win the game,” Hunt said.
Asked to single out “opponents to watch” and “weaknesses to exploit” in his opponents, Hunt demurred.
“Surely five wins on the trot would suggest they have no weaknesses to exploit. I prefer to focus on our game plan in the lead-up to games and then give honest praise to opposition where due,” Hunt explained.
Asked to nominate members of his own team due for a big game, Hunt was equally circumspect. “The lads are all chipping in collectively. There are no stand-outs for us. Some of our best contributions come from players who wouldn’t catch the eye of most supporters.
“We will look to play attractively as we always do with a focus on execution and continuing to build on our philosophy of play,” Hunt said.
In other games Collaroy Cromer Strikers take on Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders at St Matthews Farm Reserve, Pittwater RSL plays Narrabeen at Kitchener Park, Seaforth is up against Manly Vale at Seaforth Oval, Mosman and Saint Augustine’s do battle at Middle Head Oval while Harbord hosts Wakehurst at Harbord Park.
By Matt Cleary
