DESPITE a disappointing six-point loss to Hawthorn on Thursday night, Narrm coach Mick Stinear is hopeful of his team’s opportunity to finish the home-and-away season strong.
With the Week 9 defeat, Narrm’s chance of finals footy has become slimmer, the team now relying on a win next week, combined with the results of certain games over the next fortnight.
Joining media following the match at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, Stinear said his side was ready to embrace next week's challenge having put up a positive fight against Hawthorn.
“We’re shattered at the loss, we obviously came up here to win and get the four points, but I’m proud of the group with how they fought the game out," Stinear said.
"The way the team defended tonight was really pleasing, but frustratingly we couldn't connect on offence.
"So, [I'm] proud of what we produced tonight, but it obviously makes things hard for our finals chances.
"We're going to keep working and evolving, we've got a good young group that played tonight and took some opportunities.
"Next week we're going to finish off as strong as we possibly can and then hand it over to the footy gods from there.”
Tyla Hanks, who was captain for the night with skipper Kate Hore a late out with injury, echoed a similar sentiment as Stinear.
Hanks said she was pleased with the fight of the team and had belief in their improved game plan moving into Week 10.
"I was really proud of how we worked hard through the game, but they’re a top side and they just got us in the end," Hanks said.
"It was pretty tough conditions, it’s like a wet weather game, with the humidity, but we adapted really well.
"We were right in the game, right until the end which was really good to see.
“I think we’ve really built our game style and we’re really back to the way we want to compete.
“So that’s where it starts for it us, and hopefully we get that good result at the end of the next game."
The Dees will host Collingwood at IKON Park on Saturday 2 November, with the first bounce scheduled for 1:05pm.
