Sydney Swans premiership star and Northern Districts patron Michael O’Loughlin reinforced the importance of capitalising on finals opportunities ahead of the Tigers AFL South Coast Seniors elimination final against Kiama Power at Figtree Oval on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
O’Loughlin was the special guest at the Tigers’ 40th year anniversary last Saturday and spoke passionately to the players and 150 guests about making the most of their finals chances.
‘‘Michael told the group you can’t wait for another day, it’s now you have to make it count,’’ Tigers coach Leigh Forsyth said.
‘‘It’s now or never for us. If we win we move on, if we lose the season is over. I’m confident if we get the mental side of the game right, we’ll win.’’
While the Tigers and Kiama are playing for a spot in the Preliminary Final, premiers Wollongong Bulldogs face minor premiers Wollongong Lions at North Dalton Park for a place in the grand final.
The Lions have demolished most rivals this season, winning 12 of their 13 games, including their past five wins by 100-plus points.
Having returned to the South Coast AFL after 25 years in the Sydney AFL, the Lions have bought a more professional approach to the local competition, plus led the way in fitness and skills.
But a month ago the Bulldogs inflicted the Lions only defeat, with a rugged 27 point win at Keira Oval.
The Dogs haven’t played for three weeks due to the bye and final round washout but must repeat their physical approach against a Lions side which have clearly taken plenty of notice from the defeat.
‘‘We know what to do; it’s a matter of going out and being able to do it again,’’ said Bulldogs coach Lee Murray, who will play his 150th game for the club, in the Division Two grand final qualifier against Figtree.
Murray was the key figure in founding the Bulldogs in South Coast AFL in 2008 and has missed just one game in eight seasons, due to be knocked out in a reserves match last year.
The Bulldogs will be without Braydan Beesley and Jack Tagliabue today with the club involved in the reserves final at Figtree Oval and then the senior game at North Dalton Park.
Meanwhile, Figtree Kangaroos are the team to beat for the Division Two flag and take an unbeaten 15 match winning run into the grand final qualifier against the second-placed Bulldogs at Figtree Oval (12pm).
In the other semi-final, the Lions take on Bomaderry at North Dalton Park (12.15pm), with the winner to face the loser of the Kangaroos v Bulldogs in the Preliminary Final.