“Three games in seven days is a big ask,” Harris said.
“To have the same guys carrying the load for the whole week is a bit much – that’s why you need every member of the squad contributing.”
Harris believes that workload, particularly in the midfield, must be shared if a team is to be successful.
He said you need the right mix of players who are willing to make sacrifices, work hard at the contest just as much as you need the players who can carry the ball and hurt the opposition.
“It is just a matter of getting the mix right and the mix is if you have enough of them,” he said.
The importance of the carnival is not lost on the players, according to Harris, who said the players’ enthusiasm couldn’t be questioned.
“We reinforce the team aspect because if the team plays well, the individuals are playing well,” he said.
WHAT THE COACH SAYS:“As always, you just never know what is waiting for you. I’m feeling comfortable we have the right squad. I know that if we play well, our best is good enough to be competitive with the other states.” - Leon Harris.
Player to Watch: BRENDON GODDARD
“I think you would classify him as a tall midfielder whose greatest attributes are his aerial strength and excellent kicking skills. He won the Kevin Sheehan Medal at the under-16 championships and played very well on the (AIS-AFL Academy) tour of Ireland. He is a kid with a bright future.” – Leon Harris.
Coach: LEON HARRIS
Team Manager: TREVOR ROBERTSON
No NAME CLUB DOB HT WT
1 Adam Fisher (c) Nth Ballarat/Minyip-Murtoa 11 Apr 84 178 79
2 Aaron Connaughton (vc) Bendigo/Sth Bendigo 18 Jan 84 175 71
3 Cameron Hall Bendigo/Mildura 24 Jul 85 176 72
4 Dean Chester Nth Ballarat/Portland 5 Jul 85 178 80
5 Gavin Miller Murray/Wangaratta Rovers 11 Apr 84 174 76
6 James Allan Geelong/Lara 17 Jan 85 170 65
7 Kane Tenace Murray/Shepparton 4 Jul 85 180 76
9 Shannon Byrnes Murray/Shepparton 4 Apr 84 173 67
10 Tim Callan Geelong/St Josephs 6 Jan 84 181 74
11 Tom Lyons Geelong/Euroa 9 May 84 181 80
13 Brad Sewell Nth Ballarat/Newlyn 2 Feb 84 180 83
14 Brendon Goddard Gippsland/Traralgon 20 May 85 188 80
16 Jason Winderlich Gippsland/Thorpdale 10 Oct 84 184 74
17 Josh Rudd Geelong/St Josephs 19 Jun 84 188 87
18 Joshua Thewlis Bendigo/Donald 20 Jul 84 185 80
19 William Gayfer Murray/Corowa-Rutherglen 12 Jul 85 190 83
21 Luke Brennan Nth Ballarat/Horsham 3 Mar 85 188 76
22 Mark Fitzgerald Bendigo/Sandhurst 14 Nov 84 189 84
23 Matthew Ferguson Gippsland/Heyfield 1 Jan 84 186 80
25 Ryley Dunn Murray/Shepparton 7 Oct 85 182 79
26 Troy Selwood Bendigo/Sandhurst 1 May 84 187 75
27 Hamish McIntosh Murray/Lavington 4 Sep 84 201 97
28 Tom Lonergan Calder/Yarrawonga 17 May 84 194 80
29 Tristan Cartledge Nth Ballarat/Nth Ballarat 11 Jun 85 195 88
30 Jesse Smedts Geelong/Nth Warrnambool 17 Sep 84 192 84
