After five years without a premiership, Manly-Warringah’s marquee player, Connor Pettersson wants to taste premiership success again on Saturday.
Pettersson claimed that premiership with the Wolves in the-then First Division Seniors competition before starting his football journey which would then take him to two year stints with both Ainslie and Southport.
The 22 year-old believes he now better understands the value of a premiership.
“I remember in 2007 as a 17 year-old thinking how good is this and that this would happen every year,” he admitted.
“I have struggled since, making finals and losing Grand Finals at various clubs.
“It would mean the world to me to come back and win a flag- especially at my home club.”
The feeling is shared by those at the club, according to the ball magnet.
“Everyone is excited and pumped up by the chance to go back-to-back and have an unbeaten season,” he said.
Despite beating their nearest competitors on each occasion this season, Pettersson believes the side is not complacent going into what also doubles as a Grand Final rematch.
“There is always fear, more so of a loss, because Southern Power are a good side and because of that we won’t be complacent,” he said.
“You would play it the same way as any other game but it will be a bit more fierce at the start and hopefully we can go on from there.”
The Whiteboard- with Connor Pettersson
For Manly-Warringah to win- “The key to our whole game is not to have too many keys. Obviously David Kovacevic up forward and in the ruck is a standout given he has played a high standard of football. Our on-ball unit in Anthony Robertson, Gareth Benbow and Chris Burke will all be keys. Our small forward, Tyrone Armitage, who is also our captain is a superstar and does so much for us.”
To stop Southern Power- “They have a few good midfielders in Matthew Graham and Phil Hamer. They are pretty solid players who run all day. If we can beat them through the midfield, we can win the game. We’ve got a really strong forward and back line and if we get on top of them there, the game is ours.”
Last Modified on 18/09/2012 16:16
