Matches to have no impact on standings

Three teams will sit out tomorrow’s second-last round of qualifiers in the Great Northern Football League. Results of the fixtured games will have no impact on standings, with Rovers playing Chapman Valley at Greenough, while Towns meet Mullewa at WA Country Builders Stadium. Rovers’ aim is to build on last week’s win over Railways — the tonic coach Ian Comben wanted as his side lost four previous games against other finals-bound sides. Rovers are indeed gathering strength despite the cruel loss of Farren Parfitt. They have added Josh Simpson who has been among their best in each of his four games, and now Shannon Cox, whose two games have reminded all of his quality, and he has kicked 114 goals, 26 of them in finals. “I rate that win very highly with regard to confidence and self-belief as we move towards finals and get players back from injury,” Comben said. “Shannon has straightened us up and is a key player with his big body and ability to win contests, but also a good talker. “Farren’s injury was very bad luck, his leg was broken above the ankle. It was nothing malicious, he just got tangled up in a tackle, and it was one of his better games too.” For the Demons to defend the flag, they have to win from the first semi, something not done since 1996. “We’ve talked about that and think we can win from the first semi which no Rovers team has done and we’ve beaten the other top four teams this year except Brigades, but know we can match them,” Comben said. “We’ve had injuries throughout the year, but we’re getting players back now with Jaimon Alone among them, if not this week then for the finals.” An issue for Rovers has been a loss of focus around a bye and Rovers has another next week, but Comben does not think that will be a problem again. “I expect a full contingent at training next week but tomorrow’s game is also a pink day with our players wearing pink jumpers and shorts,” he said. “The jumpers will be sold with proceeds to the Glenn McGrath Foundation and we want to do our part for that good cause.” The Towns and Mullewa game is second-last versus last, but Towns will want what would be their third win and Mullewa their first. It carries little other than pride, but that is incentive enough.