South West Rocks Marlins co-coach Sam Drew has declared his players turned up with the wrong mindset for their clash with the Kendall Blues on Saturday and hopes the 44-22 defeat serves as a "wake-up call" for his team.
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The Marlins will need to respond quickly as they take on the Blues again this Saturday in the Hastings League major semi-final in Wauchope.
Drew claims his side underestimated the Kendall Blues after a large win over them earlier this season and it led to them being overpowered around the ruck.
"We showed up and though it was going to be easy but we got rolled," Drew said.
"They dominated us around the ruck and just kept rolling through the middle all day."
Drew believes the hefty defeat will serve as the loss they needed to suffer before the finals begin.
"Last night was the best training session we have had all season," Drew said.
"I think we will respond really well. We had Mark Morrison with us last night and he passed on a lot of advice on how to tidy up our defence."
While Drew admits the Marlins' performance was one of their worsts this season, he isn't hitting the panic button.
"We are very confident in our squad and we have showed what we are capable of all season," Drew said.
"If we turn up with the right mindset this Saturday then I am sure the result will be different.
"But in saying that, the Blues are a really tough team and we are going to need to be at our best."
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