COMBATANTS TALK UP THEIR CHANCES
BARWON may have run away with the league championship in canter, but Geelong Rangers manager Brian Conn believes his side will be the overwhelming favourite going into their Geelong Region men’s Division 1 grand final at Stead Park on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, when we met them early in the season, our side wasn’t at full strength,” Conn said, referring to his team’s 9-0 capitulation way back in Round 7.
“The last time we met, in Round 16, we had a full squad and came away with a 2-0 win. We are confident we can do it again on Sunday.”
The Rangers, who have qualified for the past five Division 1 grand finals, last triumphed two years ago against Surfside Waves.
Last year they lost to undefeated champions Deakin Ducks.
Coached by ex-Ranger Dale Harris, Barwon this year had a similarly Deakin Ducks v Barwon SC (Tomorrow, Stead Park, 3.15pm) Barwon SC v Geelong Rangers (Sunday, Stead Park, 4.30pm) convincing run to the final only tasting defeat once — at the hands of the Dark Blues.
“As far as revenge is concerned, the boys will want to redeem themselves in what was a pretty average performance when we lost against Rangers, but the opportunity to lift the coveted double is by far the bigger incentive,” Harris said.
“In terms of their threats, we will simply focus on our strengths. Us beating them at home and them being the only team to beat us this season will count for little come grand final day.”
Conn and Harris agree, Sunday’s showdown will be a tantalising clash of youth and experience.
“They have a good and experienced team and we have a very good, young and energetic team,” said Harris.
“The majority of us have played together for years and we know each other’s strengths. We’re mates who enjoy getting together and playing the game we love, but once we step on the pitch, we play to win. Nothing else,” Conn said.