Pinjarra will head into this Saturday’s Peel Football and Netball League grand final having won nine of their last 11 games, a handsome bit of momentum when you’re entering a match that decides the premiership.
The only problem is their opponents, Centrals, are the two blips on that otherwise pristine radar.
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The two sides faced off back in round 11 when the Blues piled a 55-point thrashing on their hosts, and again a fortnight ago where Centrals escaped with a 16-point win to book their spot in the grand final.
But Pinjarra coach Troy Vidovich is adamant past results won’t phase his group as they eye a second straight flag.
“We’re just excited to be in another grand final to be honest,” he said.
“We’re all in, all focused and just keen to get into the game and have a real crack.”
Those last two encounters with Centrals have been bruising affairs, with the two league heavyweights both eager to flex their muscles and show they’re the competition’s top dogs.
Vidovich anticipates another tough contest this time around.
“I think whenever you get two sides who are committed to being the best on the field at the same time, it becomes a physical game,” he said.
“Both sides really love the contest so it should be a great game of footy.”
The third-year coach’s side is no stranger to grand final appearances, having won three of the past five league premierships (including a win over Centrals in 2014).
They were emphatic in their victory over Waroona last year, and head into this one on the back of a 14 point win over Rockingham in the preliminary final.
But there’s a different feel to these Tigers, according to Vidovich, with the team’s success over the past two years taking them from the hunter to the hunted.
It’s a vibe the coach said is an exciting one among his playing group.
“It definitely feels a little different to last year,” he said.
“These guys have all played together for a long time – a lot have won two or three premierships together already and some have won WAFL premierships together.
“To have put themselves in this position where they can go back-to-back is extremely exciting for them, and for us as a club.
“They’re all great mates and they all want to share that success, so if we go in with the right mindset we’ll give ourselves every chance to come away with a win.”
The league grand final kicks off at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday, 4.15pm.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
