Sept. 22, 2006, 12:20 p.m.
Elmore's hunger burns (Bendigo Advertiser)
- GRAND RIVALS: Elmore skipper Brian Westley and Mt Pleasant coach Cam Carter.
ELMORE will be gunning for its first premiership victory since 1985 when it takes on arch-rival, Mount Pleasant in tomorrow's Heathcote District Football League grand final at Colbinabbin.
The Bloods will face a huge task against a Mount Pleasant team aiming for back-to-back premierships to add to a successful dynasty.
Both sides have had vastly different lead-ups to the big clash.
Elmore has used the luxury of finishing on top to full advantage by having two weeks' rest in the past month.
Mount Pleasant has worked hard to reach the grand final, having played four solid games in a row dating back to the final home and away game.
Mt Pleasant coach Cameron Carter is hoping the team's tough road to the final won't have an impact.
"Some swear by having the week off some," Carter said.
"Some people swear by playing through.
"We think that last Saturday's game will hold us pretty well. It was tough, it was hard and we had to fight back and show a bit and hopefully we can keep that momentum going,"
Carter said of the Blues' preliminary final against Lockington-Bamawm United.
Elmore coach Tony Southcombe indicated that he could leave it until tonight to settle his line-up, with the champion coach keen to assess the weather.
If wet conditions arrive, Cam Williams, who has spent the season in the reserves will come into calculations to bolster the Bloods' ball-winning ability.
Regardless of the conditions, this game is set to be a hard-fought encounter, with some great match-ups across the ground.
Sam Cheatley medallist David Fevealeki and Mounts coach Cam Carter are set to go head-to-head in what will be a great contest through the midfield.
But both sides are set to employ players in negating roles.
Elmore's key playmaker Andy Grant is set to have Rob Rowjenski as his shadow again.
Brad Crockett is likely to go to Mounts star Dennis Grinton, who rarely wastes a possession.
The battle between Mt Pleasant centre half-forward Adam Dalton and Elmore key defender Ryan Weiss will be a highlight.
Dalton has superior strength and is a great kick at goal, although Weiss has been able to expose the `man mountain' at times with strong overhead marking and run out of defence.
Mounts coach Cameron Carter has identified the midfield as an area where his side needs to improve from its defeat to Elmore a fortnight ago.
Troy Shannon's return to the side last week had an immediate impact. Mt Pleasant has a dangerous attack that has the knack of piling on quick goals when a game is in the balance.
The Blues have averaged 18 goals a game this season, with the fast leading Dennis Ryan the key with 111 goals and a regular contribution from marking options Jamie Gee and Adam Dalton, along with runners Craig Ferrier, Brad Shepperd and Cam Carter.
Elmore has averaged 15 goals per game and been able to win games with a more even spread in attack and a strong defence.
Veteran Robbie Lecek has kicked 49 goals, while Ryan Hayes, Adam Rout and Simon Cluff are others that have been able to step up and produce a haul of goals for the Bloods.
Tony Southcombe will have a job getting his side to settle as many of his players and their large supporter base have been for waiting for many years for their opportunity to reach the top of the Heathcote League tree.
"Obviously our boys are really looking forward to the game of football," Southcombe said.
"Of our group of 21, I think there are only two who would have won a grand final and another seven or eight that have played in a losing one, but I think that can hold us in good stead as they won't accept defeat as much, although Mounts still had presence of culture."
It's all set to be one of the great grand finals.
Better use of the football under pressure will be a key.
Talent-wise there is little between the two sides and I lean towards an Elmore premiership on the basis it is hungry to succeed and should still be running on strong late in the game given their sound preparation.
The Bloods by five points.
