STURT coach Rick Macgowan has endorsed his seven state-selected players to take part in this month's clash with Victoria, instead of using the May 31 weekend to rest.

Under pressure to fight their way out of a current form slump, the Double Blues have more players named in SA's squad than any other SANFL team.

``They've played really well, they probably deserve to be in the state side,'' Macgowan said of his players.

``We encourage our guys to play at the highest level so that will be a good experience for them.''

After starting the season 4-0, Sturt lost its second consecutive game on Saturday when they surrendered a five-goal first quarter lead to Woodville-West Torrens.

Ball magnet Luke Crane had an unusually quiet game, key forwards Brant Chambers and Ian Perrie failed to make an impact and young defenders Nicholas Wark and Pat Fittock were no match for the Eagles' Mark Passador who bagged six goals.

After hitting the lead in the second term, Woodville-West Torrens never looked back and ran out comfortable winners, 18.9 (117) to 12.10 (82).

``We've been going along nicely  probably too nicely and you get a bit comfortable with that. And good opposition has found us out in the last two weeks,'' Macgowan said.

``They were dominant. We were undisciplined ...we lacked a bit of competitive nature.

``There was plenty of positive talk in the first month which I had had enough of. But it brings us back to Earth.''

One positive for the Double Blues was the impressive form of youngster Charlie Sharples, who has been selected in SA's state squad. ``Unfortunately we needed three or four of him (Sharples) (today),'' Macgowan said.

Sturt now faces a hungry West Adelaide side at House Brothers Oval on Saturday  the Bloods looking for their first win of the season.

``It doesn't matter who we play, it's going to be tough because we've had two losses in a row so we're vulnerable,'' Macgowan said.

``We've got to hopefully gain some confidence on the training track and show that we can bounce back.''

Courtesy The Messenger Newspaper
Story by Reece Homfray

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