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ONLY a premiership will satisfy Saints as they seek to expunge the nightmarish memories of 2018’s heartbreaking grand final loss to Cairns Hockey rivals Souths.
In the 2018 decider, Souths claimed a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout win after scores were 1-1 at full-time.
Saints keeper and reigning A-grade men’s player of the year Damian Agius, who was there on that fateful night two years ago, said the loss would fuel the side in Saturday night’s A-grade mens’ decider.
“We had a shared keeper arrangement on that one, so I didn’t get to play the shootout — thank goodness,” he said.
“But that was a tough game and a tough way to lose and it will definitely be in the back of our minds. We’re definitely going to take the fight to them; don’t take a step back and do it for your teammates.”
Souths’ Liam Whipp is no stranger to the pressure of a grand final, having played a part in the club’s 2018 and 2019 premiership wins. But on Saturday night it will be the first time the 19-year-old defender captains the side in a decider.
“It’s not too much different,” a relaxed Whipp said.
“Obviously as captain, you try to lead the way but, at the same time, it’s not all about you, it’s a team sport.
“We’ve got a lot of other senior players in the squad and they lead from the front as well, but I try to take responsibility for the side and keep a cool head.”
Whipp said he was feeling “a little bit nervous” but that it was all part of the excitement of grand final week. “I think nerves are good to have, then you know it means something to you — it’s not just another game,” he said.
He said youngsters Hayden Lane, Liam Dennis and Connor Puri could expect to get plenty of minutes.
“We’re encouraging the young fellas, don’t be shy and back yourself,” Whipp said.
A win for Souths would deliver the club a third straight Agrade men’s premiership.