PFNL finals: Pinjarra Tigers doing it for Terry

Just 13 months ago the club mourned the loss of its tireless president, Terry Jeffs, and was ousted from the 2016 finals on the back of a deflating three-point loss to Halls Head just weeks later.

Knowing they had unfinished business heading into the 2017 season, they set their sights on a return to the Peel Football and Netball League’s promise land.

“It didn’t sit well with us, the way we left things last year,” coach Troy Vidovich said.

“It was a really tough time for our club. Terry was our heart and soul and the backbone for us behind the scenes.

“We went into this year really wanting to get back to the top.”

And get back to the top they did.

The Tigers finished the 2017 regular season with a league-high 14 wins, a minor premiership and secured an early grand final berth with a win in the semi final over Baldivis.

Jeffs built the foundation for back-to-back Tigers flags in 2013 and 2014, and now the club will look to add to that legacy when they square up with Waroona in a highly-anticipated derby grand final on Saturday.

“Every person at the club probably looks at it a lot differently, but I certainly think doing it for Terry adds a little extra motivation for us,” Vidovich said.

“For me, on a personal level, he gave me the chance to be a league coach and that’s something I’ll always take with me.

“At the end of the day we have to get the job done and just play footy, but he will certainly be a part of the day for us.”

The Tigers know they will need to bring their very best if they are to overcome a red-hot Waroona outfit.

The Demons have dominated the finals, coming from fifth to make the ultimate game with wins over South Mandurah, Centrals and Baldivis.

They are easily the most finals-hardened team in the competition, and will be chomping at the bit for a premiership after falling short in grand finals over the past two seasons.

“We know we’ve got our work cut out for us – they’re an amazing team,” Vidovich said.

“They’re led by a really strong midfield so we need to bring our best footy and play the way we like to play.

“Overall I think it’s just going to be a great day for the league as a whole – to get a derby grand final is huge.”