WITH finals long out of the equation, Cobden coach Adam Courtney wants his side to finish the year strong and there is one Bomber leading the pack.
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Courtney praised the recent form of playing assistant coach Daniel Watson, who has returned to the south-west town after studying exercise science and teaching in Melbourne.
"He finished his studies and moved back last month and he has had a really hands-on effect at training and he is playing some good footy," Courtney said of the 25-year-old.
"He is also putting himself on the other team's best mid each week and he is still getting plenty of the footy.
"To see a leader do that speaks volume of the person he is and it's a credit to him as lots of other blokes are getting more freedom because of his selfless footy."
Watson's work in Saturday's 11.13 (79) to 10.2 (62) away win over Portland was not recognised with a best players mention but young midfielder Patrick Smith, who was named best on ground, is one of many reaping the rewards of his work.
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The former Northern Bullants-listed player has played seven matches this season after settling in and working as a CRT (Casual Relief Teacher) in Camperdown.
Courtney's Bombers are building a strong foundation for next season after injuries had crippled his side for most of the season.
But the limited manpower had been a silver lining for the first-year mentor, allowing him to inject valuable senior experience into his younger players.
Portland is sweating on the extent of a rolled ankle to Ed Pritchard, which was his second in the space of a month. Coach Tom Sharp's initial fears were that the injury would prematurely end the forward's season.
The Tigers playing coach had been pleased with the recent form of Pritchard, who had cemented his spot in the senior side.
Sharp praised the efforts of Jed Saunders, who played his first senior game for the club after replacing injured co-captain Rhys Egan.
"He really gave it a crack and played really well. He has the potential to be a senior player and he will get better with time," he said.
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