By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
REGARDLESS of Sunday’s Grand Final result, Tarneit’s Under-12C side are already winners, according to coach Leigh Gallop.
Gallop’s side is the first team in Tarneit’s three-year history to reach a Grand Final.
Most of the juniors playing in the Under-12C team were part of Tarneit’s foundation team in 2014.
After a difficult first two seasons, including winning just three games in 2015, the team now finds themselves preparing for a Grand Final showdown with the Flemington Juniors.
“In Round 1 we played Flemington and we knew they were a team expected to do well and they defeated us and we thought we could be in for another long year,” Gallop said.
“We lost two of our top players, one of our 10-year-old players tore his hamstring off the bone, so we had our backs to the wall.
“But credit to the players, they have worked extremely hard and now we are in a Grand Final.”
Tarneit finished the regular season in fifth position and have overcome Point Cook, West Footscray and St Bernard’s over the first three weeks of finals to earn a spot in the final game of the year.
The Bulldogs, Roosters and Bernard’s all defeated the Titans during the 2016 season.
Gallop said he was extremely proud of what his young side has been able to achieve.
“I have always said that on our best day we could give the top sides a run for their money,” he said.
“It is amazing at such a young age how much of a mental battle it is.
“What has changed over the past four weeks is that our players have mentally found the confidence to play against these teams.
“The feeling among the players, coaches and families after that first elimination final win against Point Cook was incredible.
“I don’t think there has been a dry eye in the house over the past three games.”
Gallop said he will tell his players what he has told them for the past three weeks, to do your best.
“They are winners in my eyes already, no matter what they result.”
Tarneit will take on the Flemington Juniors at Galvin Park on Sunday at 8.45am.
Last Modified on 10/08/2016 15:58