Youth the key, behind Cougars success
DarlingDowns.AFLQ.com.au spoke to University Cougars Coach Shane Melrose ahead of his sides showdown with the Warwick Redback's in Saturday's Division 1 Grand-Final.
University is the most successful club in AFL Darling Downs Division 1 history, winning 11 flags from 14 Grand-Finals; however Coach Melrose said his players know how difficult it is just to play on Grand-Final day."
"Grand finals are not easy to get too and (our) players are willing and ready to play their best for the proud club."
With much hype around Grand-Finals, teams can at times look to change things up and take a different path to get things done. However, Coach Melrose said it will be business as per usual.
"Preparation for the week will stay the same, it’s another game to play and we want to keep things the same," Melrose said on training in the lead up.
"(We will) keep playing the same footy we have all year, it works for us.
"I think you need to be mindful of Warwick’s midfield, it will be their focus to run all day from the midfield," Melrose said of his opponents for Saturday.
However, the University coach knows that Grand-Final opportunities don't come around very often and he is privileged to be able to coach the Cougars in another. Melrose also spoke highly of the clubs junior pathway, which has set the Cougars up for long term success.
"It is a great honour to Coach the University Cougars to another Grand Final but let’s hope we go one step further and win."
"University has built its seniors around bringing juniors through.
"The future is bright, with another Grand Final, (we have) more than 10 former juniors playing (in the Grand-Final) under 24."
Match Day – AFL Darling Downs Division 1 Men’s Grand-Final
Warwick Redback’s V University Cougars
2:30pm bounce
Saturday 20th September
Rockville Oval, Tor Street - Toowoomba
Last Modified on 21/09/2014 12:25
