Joeys back to basics

‘Perhaps we went away from what makes us good last week’

ST JOSEPH’S coach Heath Jamieson said his side would go back to “what makes us a good footy team” in today’s do-or-die preliminary final clash with Colac at Simonds Stadium.

The 2015 premiership coach also quashed suggestions Joeys have a finals hoodoo to break following three consecutive finals defeats.

Jamieson believes his minor premiers fell away from their successful home-and-away formula in last week’s 41-point loss to a rampant St Mary’s in the second semi-final.

And he also admitted even he had an off day.

“We’ve had a look at what made us a good footy side and we want to stick to that,” Jamieson said.

“Perhaps we went away from what makes us good last week.

“We threw the side around too much, looking to drive a bit of spark from the coaches’ box which doesn’t help, and it upset the balance a little bit.”

But Jamieson is sticking to his guns, retaining “enormous faith” in the playing group.

“This is a proud group, who have been disappointed about last week since the final siren. It’s over to them now to come out and right a few wrongs,” he said.

The St Joseph’s coach also reiterated that there are no mental hurdles for his side to clear in finals, despite going out in straight sets to St Mary’s and Grovedale last year, and being knocked over by the Saints again in last weekend’s semi final.

“Last year we weren’t prepared for finals series, we limped through into the finals,” he said.

“In 2015 we won two finals — one by 90-odd points and then the grand final — so there’s no issue there.

“Players are comfortable in the surroundings, and there’s certainly no hoodoo.”

Jamieson confirmed St Joseph’s would make one change to the side, with Jack Buckley replacing James Allen.

The game starts at 2.10pm.