By Jeff Hanson - Twin Town Times
By his admission, Nick Hall's Harden Hawks are yet to play their best footy in the 2023 George Tooke Shield competition.
Despite sitting in second on the competition ladder with an unbeaten record of six wins from six games, the Hawks have done it tough at times and are yet to put together a full 80-minute performance.
The Hawks opened their campaign at home with a 28-24 victory over the Cootamundra Bulldogs in Round One.
They followed that up with a 34-12 win over UC Stars at home before two big wins on the road, which included a 20-16 victory against reigning premiers Crookwell before a dominant 28-6 win over rivals, Boorowa.
Again, on the road for back-to-back games, Harden accounted for the winless Burrangong Bears 28-6 before winning a physical clash against the North Canberra Bears 18-12.
Hall said Harden's perfect record came down to a gritty and hard-working outfit that was willing to play for one another.
"There's plenty of attitude in the squad," Hall said.
"We might not have the best players, but we're a good team that sticks together and are connected in defence.
"We're not the biggest hitters or the biggest and best at anything, but we can carve out results."
Hall said the Hawks have been working hard at training, which was starting to show in their results.
"I think everyone would have looked at our side and had us at around fifth position, or maybe outside of the top five before a game was played," Hall said.
Some teams probably wonder how we beat them; it's never pretty, and they probably walk away disappointed, but the boys know how to win.
"We've got good numbers at training and, more importantly, a good feeling at training, and from that, I've been able to coach these guys.
"They work hard and compete at training, and to be honest, Harden is a real pleasure to coach."
Hall conceded a loss wouldn't hurt his side, and it seems timely that the Hawks face their biggest test on Saturday when hosting the top-of-the-table and unbeaten Bungendore Tigers.
The result could prove the difference between the sides, with the winner putting one hand on the 2023 George Tooke Shield Minor premiership.
Still, Hall isn't considering their upcoming game a 'must-win' contest.
"I don't think we need to win it, but I'm not going to come out and say we need to lose it either," Hall said.
"To be completely honest, I'd like a loss behind us, especially going into semis, and if I have to lose a game, I'm never going to say it's this one because, as competitors, you never want to lose."
As far as taking on a red-hot Bungendore side, Hall agreed it would be a tough ask for his group.
"I think we can beat Bungendore, but it won't be easy, and they have been the side to beat this year, Hall said.
"Like all George Tooke Shield teams, they weren't quite ready at the beginning of the season, and no one had a great off-season, but I see that they are improving, and without watching them play, I can see they are building and becoming a competitive side."
It shapes to be the game of the season when Harden and Bungendore do battle at McLean Oval on Saturday.
The match is special for many reasons, with club stalwart Luke Brown celebrating his 200th game.
Also, the Hawkettes take on the Bungendore Tigers, and WorHawks will take the field when hosting the Gungahlin Bulls in the Katrina Fanning Shield.
Adding to a massive day of Harden sport, the Red Devils play their Round 9 South West Cup match at McLean Oval when hosting the Temora Tuskers.
Saturday's schedule at McLean Oval
11.30am: Harden WorHawks v Gungahlin Bulls
1pm: Harden Hawkettes v Bungendore Tigers
2.15pm: Harden Hawks v Bungendore Tigers
3.50pm: Harden Red Devils v Temora Tuskers
Image by Twin Town Times
