Sixth flag the perfect send-off
BFL GRAND FINAL
GEELONG Amateur co-captain Ben Lavars says a sixth premiership would be the perfect way to send out club champion Tim Clark.
The veteran Ammo and former captain and coach has had a decorated career at the club, including two senior best-andfairests, five premierships and three BFL interleague best-onground awards.
Lavars said if “Chucky” decided to step down from senior footy after this weekend, a sixth flag would be a fitting end to the career of one of the club’s most loyal servants.
“I think Chucky has probably been saying it for the last five years that this year might be his last,” Lavars said.
“He’s the type of player any side would want to send off the right way. again when the two sides cross paths this weekend.
“I think so, yeah. It’s one of those things and the type of grand final it was that it was pretty fiery,” he said.
“We try and move on the best you can as footballers, and I think off the field you do, but as soon as you step over the line it’s something you probably think about. You don’t want to lose to those good sides and it’s definitely one we don’t want to lose.”
Torquay is happy to assume the underdog tag, according to Tigers captain James Darke, but Lavars said there wasn’t much between the two sides.
“Even though Barwon Heads went out last week, I think it was pretty tight between all three of us,” he said.
“Obviously we only just only got over the line against Barwon Heads the last two times and Torquay hadn’t lost to Barwon Heads, so I think it’s really whoever plays best on the day is going to get the job done.”
Despite having won the last three BFL flags, there’s no lack of hunger, according to Lavars.
“Early in the year we didn’t start very well and maybe there was a bit of that, maybe the passion wasn’t there as much,” he said.
“I think now that we’re here, that kicks into gear.”
But Lavars said premiership experience would have to hold his side in good stead.
“It’s one of the things that has to count, having that experience, especially that it’s more than likely going to be a very tight game on the weekend,” he said.
“The guys that have played in a few of those tough games have that experience and hopefully that can get you over the line.”