Finals football

“Unfortunately, we’ve had a minimum of five changes per game, so we’ve kept up the same reputation as last year.

“As long as we can get a consistent team in finals, that’s the main thing.

Among the key contributors the Rams are hoping to regain for their finals campaign are talented young players Dylan Bates and Zach Smith, while Jack Ford, who has been restricted to just four games through injury, is also a chance to return.

The inclusions should add even more potency to a team already stocked with fleet-footed players such as Alex Ridsdale and Jesse Wilkinson.

Onballer Callum Cameron, while restricted to nine games through injury, has been a fixture in the team’s best players when healthy and forms a strong tandem with Anson.

Up forward Natimuk United’s hopes of kicking a winning score rest largely on the shoulders of high-flying duo Jaydon Stiles and Nathan Koenig – much as they did last year.

While both have largely maintained their excellent output from 2018 – kicking 67 and 39 goals respectively – the Rams have missed the contributions of last season’s number-three goal-kicker Kyal Murray, who has been restricted to just five games. The void left by Murray has been filled by the likes of Anson, Mitch Riddell and Max English, each averaging about a goal a game.

Down back the team is marshalled by Jono Lovel and Jordan Smith, while the versatile Riddell can provide rebound from half back or play on the ball.

While the lengthy injury list has frustrated Anson, he said his team could achieve the finals victory it desperately craves by tuning out the noise and sticking to what has made it a success this season.

“I think we’ve just got to play our brand of football and worry about us, not what everyone else is doing,” he said.

“Hopefully the rest will take care of itself.”