Scorpions focused on big picture against SA

Queensland Scorpions coach, Ray Windsor, is focused on the bigger picture ahead of his side’s National Championships clash with South Australia tomorrow.

With some rating the South Australian squad as the best in the under-18 competition this year, Windsor said the game, at Southport tomorrow, would be a prime opportunity for Queensland to catch recruiters’ eyes, regardless of the final score.

“It’s all about getting as many Queenslanders drafted as possible,” he said.

“If we get a positive result here, a lot more recruiters will come looking Queensland’s way.”

After a strong defensive display against Vic Metro a fortnight ago, the Scorpions’ back six will need to lift again against the Crow Eaters tomorrow.

Queensland has named the same backline that played against Metro and Windsore said that consistency would benefit the Scorpions against SA.

“From my point of view, it always helps when you’ve got a stable back six,” Windsor said.

“Even though (Vic Metro) had a lot of scoring shots, I thought each one of the back men did their job reasonably well.”

Windsor said the side took plenty of positives out of their opener against Vic Metro, but he would be looking for even more improvement at Fankhauser Reserve tomorrow.

“The biggest thing we took out of that game is we can compete against the, so-called better players in Australia,” he said.

“Everyone has Victoria and Div One teams up on a pedestal .

“In the last part of the Metro game, the flood gates opened and they ended up putting a fair few points on us, but the players are starting to believe that they are able to compete against the Div One sides.”

Windsor said the team had benefitted a lot from last month’s camp in Townsville, which acted as the catalyst for improvement after their first match against the Calder Cannons last month.

“The trip to Townsville was very important, it’s where the players got o to know each other ,” he said.

“It’s just a work in progress …and we want to continually improve.”

Defensive pressure will be the key to Queensland’s chances of a win against South Australia, Windsor said.

“We know they’ve got some very good players but it’s evident even at AFL level, regardless of how good – everyone wilts under pressure,” he said.

There are four new faces in the side to take on South Australia, headed by 19-year-old, Kieran Brennan.

Brennan’s strong form for Broadbeach in the NEAFL this season earned him a call-up as one of five potential over-agers allowed in the side.

Windsor said Brennan would bring size and athleticism to the side, strengths which have caught the attention of recruiters this season.

As well as Brennan, fellow Broadbeach player, Jared Ellis, will make his return from a shoulder injury in the match.

Ellis played as a bottom-ager for the Scorpions last year, and adds a lot of versatility to the side, with an ability to run through the midfield or go into attack or defence when required.

Tyler Cornish (Southport) and Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds (Morningside) are the other inclusions into the side for Saturday’s clash.

The game kicks off at 11:30am at Fankhauser Reserve, Southport.

Queensland Scorpions squad of 25 to take on South Australia. The final team will be announced after training on Friday June 7.