AHEAD of the Division 3 Grand Final, WRFL Media Manager Kristen Alebakis speaks with the Division 3 Seniors and Reserves coaches.
Read what all four coaches have to say about the final match of 2017 below.
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PARKSIDE HOPE TO CAP-OFF IMPRESSIVE 2017 SEASON
By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
PARKSIDE’s preparation for Saturday’s Division 3 Senior Grand Final can be described as almost perfect.
The Magpies have dropped just two games for the year and are firm favourites to take this year’s crown.
Coach Nick Condos says it’s been a great year for the club, with both the Seniors and Reserves teams earning Grand Final spots.
“The competition has been great, it’s been exactly what I thought it would be with all clubs improving and lifting the competition to another level,” he said.
Condos, now in his second season as coach, said their Grand Final preparation would be nothing different to what the players have been doing all season.
“We will work hard on the track and hone in on our structures and game plan and prepare for a great contest,” he said.
“To win the Grand Final would be a reward for all the people behind the scenes that work hard without any fan fair from week to week.
“On a personal note it would be a childhood dream to coach the side I played all my football with.”
Jason Cloke has a played critical role for Parkside this year. The sharpshooter has been the Magpies’ main target up forward, kicking 115 goals for the year.
“Jason has had a massive impact on not just on our playing group, but the competition as well,” Condos said.
“Having him lead from the front and passing on his experience to the playing group has been fantastic for us. He has also been a great assistant coach.”
Condos’ love for the Parkside Football Club continues to grow, he has extended his tenure as coach into 2018. He says it was an easy decision to commit to the club for another season.
“We are working on our plan for next year and it will be finalised after the Grand Final,” Condos said.
“What keeps me committed is that I am a life member of the club and I want to see it around for the next 120 years.”
Finally, Condos wanted to thank all the dedicated Parkside volunteers who put in hours of work each week.
“I would like to thank Shannon French our President, Secretary Allison Campbell, Robert Papal who does our Football Operations and all the committee for all their support,” he said.
“To my Assistant Coach Chris Muratore, who is a great support to me and to all my support staff on game day; Trevor Clarke, Mic Rees and all the trainers and all the volunteers that make my job a lot easier, without their help the club wouldn’t have survived.”
TARNEIT INTO FIRST SENIOR GRAND FINAL
By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
A 29-point win over the Wyndham Suns has given Tarneit the chance to play in their first ever Senior Grand Final.
The Titans will go head-to-head with the powerhouse that is Parkside, but the team from Wootten Road Reserve is more than up for the challenge, according to coach Mark Elso.
Elso, who is already signed on for the 2018 season, says despite the club playing off in a Grand Final this Saturday, it will be business as usual this week.
He said like all football clubs, playing in a Grand Final and ultimately winning the flag is something everyone strives for.
“It has been a competitive season with improvement from a lot of clubs,” Elso said.
“Parkside have been the standout club this year.
“An injury to Josh Watterson halfway through the season hurt us, but all of our young players stood up throughout the year.”
The last time Tarneit played Parkside, the Seniors lost by 55-points. So the team, led by captain Todd Lawrie, will need to find a spark from somewhere.
Finally, Elso wanted to thank the team of dedicated volunteers and supporters who help out at Tarneit each and every week.
“I would like to thank the whole Tarneit Football Club Family and hope that they enjoy the day,” he said.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME, SAYS COACH HUNTER
By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
CLINT Hunter, in his first year of coaching, says it has been an honour to lead Parkside’s Reserves team this year.
The team is chasing back-to-back premierships and having finished on top of the ladder at the end of the regular season and won their Semi Final over Tarneit that dream is well on track.
“Making the transition from player to coach took time to adjust, but I've really enjoyed the challenge more then I could of imagined,” he said.
“We have dealt with injuries all year, but each player who has stepped up has worked hard and that's why selection now for finals is the hardest thing I've had to do this year.
“These players have a special feeling among themselves that has been inherited from a long line of successful teams. It's an honour to be their coach.”
Hunter said the feeling at the club has been electric over the past couple of weeks, saying his players thrive during finals.
“They are bursting at the seams to get out on the field and give their all,” he said.
“We still believe we haven't hit full throttle yet and our best is yet to come.”
Hunter said winning the flag this year would be a great reward for those who have stuck by the club during hard times.
“A win isn't just for the players it’s for all our volunteers, coaches, the committee and supporters,” he said. “It’s for every Parksider who is proud of the black and white.”
“Without these people the club doesn't exist. No club does. So we are determined to bring home the premiership and celebrate the success together.”
SUNS ARE NOT DONE WITH YET
By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
THE Wyndham Suns finished the season in third place and have fought their way into the Division 3 Reserves Grand Final.
The Suns defeated Sunshine Heights in the Semi Final and then Tarneit in the Preliminary to book its spot in Saturday’s decider.
Coach Jason Ryan admits the season hasn’t gone to plan, but says the playing group and the club’s supporters were looking forward to the Parkside challenge.
“We have had an enormous amount of injuries throughout the season and have had 56 different players that have played at some stage during the season,” he said.
“The club is abuzz as there a few players who haven’t experienced a Grand Final so they are extremely excited at the prospect of playing in a premiership.”
Ryan said Blake Germon and Michael Downing were two players he believes could bring some X-Factor to the Grand Final.
He said winning a flag would mean a lot to the players and the supporters of the club.
“We were lucky enough to win one two years ago and we would love nothing more to replicate that,” Ryan said.
Finally, Ryan wanted to thank the players and the entire Suns family for their ongoing support in 2017.
“I would like to thank each and every player who has pulled on the Wyndham Suns jumper in 2017 and all of the committee who work tirelessly behind the scenes and everyone who has come down and supported the club,” he said.
Last Modified on 07/09/2017 10:26