THE Tamworth Kangaroos have been busy preparing for the 2019 AFL North West season by hosting a trial match against the Muswellbrook Cats.
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An undermanned Roos outfit took to a damp Riverside oval to do battle with the visitors in anticipation of the upcoming season.
While scores were not recorded, Roos coach Tony Bishop told the Leader he believed the Cats had the better of his side on the day.
"It was a really good hit out for our boys in the end," Bishop said.
"We were down on a few numbers going into the game, I think we only had 17 players as opposed to their 20 players, so we were made to run hard all day.
"However, I think our guys put in a really strong effort and probably went down by something like six goals in the end.
"They were a pretty strong, mature side so I was very happy with the effort the boys put in."
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Bishop said his side would take a lot of positives out of the hit out against the Cats.
"I think it was a really good run for some of our older guys," he said.
"Brad Rees was really strong for us and took some pretty big marks, which I think always makes a pretty big difference for us.
"Cal Frazier in the ruck was also really good for us as well.
"I think all told the boys will be a lot better for the run."
The trial match was the first time both sides played using the AFL North West's new rules, including changes to kick ins and player zones.
"It was a really good chance for us to get our head around the new rules," Bishop said.
"A few of the guys weren't quite across all of them so it was good for them to see it in action.
"For me as a coach, I will probably have to change my strategy a bit to suit these new rules.
"It should be interesting to see how they impact this season's competition."
With the beginning of the AFL North West season more than three weeks away, the Roos will now turn their attention to the annual Crossroads Cup tournament in Narrabri on April 6.
"At this stage we are shaping up pretty well for the Crossroads Cup," Bishop said.
"With any luck a few of the guys who missed the trial match against Muswellbrook will be available to come to Narrabri.
"To be honest, I think the run will do everyone the world of good and will hopefully give us a good run into the season.
"I think everyone in the competition is looking forward to it so it should be a good day."
- The Roos will begin their season against Gunnedah on April 27.