When it comes to footy in the western area, Claude Gordon and Matt Naden have experienced more than most.
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Gordon has represented a number of clubs in both Group 11 and Group 10 while Naden carved out a hugely successful career with Dubbo CYMS.
However, this week has been one of the toughest the pair have had to endure.
A long list on injuries and a number of internal discipline issues has forced Gordon and Naden to make some tough calls before Sunday’s crucial clash with Nyngan.
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A loss will see the Rabbitohs fall out of the top five but Gordon is sticking to his guns, with the hope dropping players this week will benefit the club in the future.
“We’re not doing it out of spite,” Gordon said after dropping players to reserve grade for failing to attend training.
“We’re doing it because we set a culture and a standard and if your’re not part of it then you’re not part of first grade.
“We set a standard for day one and we’ve got to stick to that. It looks like we’ll be doing this job again next year too so we can’t let our standard slip. It’s hard for me as a coach but the boys shouldn’t have excuses for not wanting to train, they should want to turn up.”
The issues couldn’t have come at a worse time for Gordon, with Naden out for season after tearing his bicep while workhorses RJ Merritt and Darrell Kemp are missing this weekend due to work commitments.
All in all, it means the Rabbitohs head into a crucial game with a massively under-strength side.
“It’s always tough at Nyngan. I now that and every team that goes out there knows that,” Gordon said.
“It’s just even worse when you’re down on troops. It’s going to be really, really tough so I’m not expecting too many fireworks from my boys.”
Gordon stated a number of under 18s players are likely to get a chance in first grade given their commitment and enthusiasm shown at training this season.
A Westside loss and a Macquarie victory over Narromine would see the Rabbitohs fall to seventh this weekend.
Nyngan heads into the match have shown much more promising signs in recent weeks.
The addition of Josh Merritt, who met with Gordon before signing with the Tigers, has provided some real spark and last week’s win over Narromine moved the side within one point of the top five.
Fixtures starts 11am at Larkin Oval on Sunday.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
