FOOTBALL fundamentals in the contest and playing the game in the forward half will be the words on everyone’s lips when the players roll in at GMHBA Stadium this summer.

The Cats believe it’s doing the simple things right, and doing those simple things in the forward half, that will help the club ensure it avoids a repeat of last year’s elimination final.

Assistant coach Nigel Lappin says a focus on basic skill execution will help the club get the best out of its game style.

“We feel like we have to improve on all areas of the game but if you’re asking for one or two, it’s to make sure we get all the fundamentals and basics rights which underpin your game style,” he said.  

“If you don’t get those things right, which we tend to not get right in the big games, it doesn’t matter how good your game style you don’t win big games.”

“Whether that be basic handball execution, supporting the ball really well, winning the contest when it’s your turn and even things like winning the clearances and making sure we balance that stuff out.”

When it comes to style of play, Lappin says the Cats will continue to play to their strengths in embracing the contest and look to create more of those contests forward of centre.

“We need to make sure we play the game a little bit more in our front half,” Lappin says.

“The best teams play the game in their front half and they defend really well when they get entries, both defence and attack are really closely linked.”

“We weren’t in the top five in the competition at forward half turnovers and we need to become a team that can certainly be that way.”

The disappointment of last year hasn’t shaken the team’s belief in its contested gamestyle.

“When you look at the biggest games of the year and the grand final was the perfect example of that, you’ve got to be able to win the contest. We will be focusing a lot on winning the contest.”

“We’re certainly a very good contested team. When we can make the game a contest we tend to play really well.”