HDFL | Hoppers hand Cats first loss since 2019

It’s been a long time since LBU last tasted defeat. It is the Cats’ first since 2019 and also brings their 18-game winning streak to an end.

LBU coach Brodie Collins said his side simply wasn’t good enough on the day.

“We just weren’t up to it. The skills weren’t good enough, they are a good side and we just didn’t rock up,” Collins said.

“Our execution wasn’t good enough, plain and simple. It doesn’t matter what game plan you have if you can’t execute your skills.

“They are a good outfit. They are well trained and well drilled, they played some high-quality footy and took their chances.

“You can’t go into a game like that and have such poor skills against such a good side.”

The win is a huge result for the Hoppers, who now sit a game clear in top spot on the HDFL ladder.

Collins said while the loss was unfortunate, he hoped it could help his side come back stronger.

“It’s a bit disappointing but it’s a good learning curve for our players and we’ll bounce back, hopefully,” he said.

“I think our second half was better, but the damage was done. We couldn’t score any goals.

“At the end of the day, we just didn’t rock up and our skills weren’t good enough.

“A loss is a good learning curve and as long as we learn from it, that’s fine. You don’t win flags in May.”

James Brain kicked five majors for the Hoppers, while LBU had four individual goal scorers.

Collins said he was impressed with the effort of some of his younger players on Saturday in Baxter Anderson and Coby Cox.

Anderson made his senior debut against Colbinabbin, and Collins said he thought he had a good game.

LBU will be hoping to bounce back with a win against Elmore this weekend.

Collins said the group would refocus and hopefully come back better against the Bloods.

“We’ll go back to the drawing board, we have to make sure our skills are good enough,.

“We’ll hit the track hard this week and bounce back, hopefully.”