‘We need to be switched on’: Cotton

By Joseph Marciano

NORWOOD Coach Jarrod Cotton says winning the contest and defending well will be the key for the Redlegs as they face league leaders Adelaide on Sunday afternoon at the Parade.

Speaking to Norwood Media, Cotton said the Redlegs need to improve on their defensive efforts, along with their attention to detail throughout key parts of the game.

“Defensively we need to be switched on for every second of the game,” Cotton said.

“You can’t drop off against any team really, but especially against good teams that are able to hit targets and punish you when they get the chance.

“The effort and intent to make sure we defend better has been a real focus for us, and hopefully we can improve in that area come this Sunday.”

After an injury-interrupted month, Cotton said he expects several key Redlegs to be available for selection on Sunday afternoon.

“Hopefully there should be between 4-5 guys returning, however, it just depends on how they go with training this week,” Cotton said.

“Matt Panos, Matt Nunn, Michael Talia and Ed Smart should all be available, as well as Luke Surman who has performed well in his last two matches at Reserves level.

“Those guys aren’t just your run-of-the-mill players, they’re obviously important to our group and how we want to play.

“If they get through the week and train well, then they are a fairly good chance to return.”

As the Redlegs head into Sunday’s match with Adelaide, Cotton believes tackle pressure and winning the contest will go a long way to stopping the Crows dangerous midfield and forward line.

“I think Sturt’s effort and intent last week against Adelaide was fantastic and it kept them right in the game until the very end,” Cotton said.

“We need to make sure that our tackle pressure is up to the standard, as well as team defence in applying a lot of pressure around the footy.

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