The Pinjarra Tigers are chomping at the bit to enter the ring that is the Peel Football and Netball League finals, according to head coach Troy Vidovich.
While the rest of the top five toiled away in grueling contests last weekend Pinjarra’s players got the chance to kick their feet up, as are the rewards of being minor premiers.
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But the time for rest if over, Vidovich says, with Pinjarra itching to enter the finals fray.
“Our boys got to watch some of the games last weekend and support our colts and ressies, but I think it just made us more hungry to get back on the field,” he said.
“We’re raring to go – we’re pumped and looking forward to it.”
The Tigers will kick off their post-season campaign at home, another reward for finishing on top, but the third-year coach doesn’t expect an easy day.
Waiting for Pinjarra is a rampant Centrals outfit, one which dominated Baldivis last week to ensure themselves (at worst) a spot in the preliminary final.
The Blues will also head into their second semi with Pinjarra full of confidence after their last visit to Sir Ross McLarty Oval produced a 55-point win.
It remains the Tigers’ most recent loss – one they rectified by going on a seven-game win streak to end the regular season – and it was a bruising affair between the league’s heavyweights.
Vidovich is expecting much of the same from the Mundijong-based outfit this time around, and is hoping his side has grown since the encounter.
“I think we just went in a bit lackadaisical – we weren’t switched on and we were punished for it,” he said.
“Their midfield killed us, but having said that we know we’re capable of turning things around.
“We’re in good shape – we’ll get four or five guys back who didn’t play in our last game so we’re hoping their experience gives us a boost.”
A grand final berth will be on the line when the Tigers and Blues clash at Sir Ross McLarty Oval on Sunday, 3pm.