WANGARATTA Rovers can book their spot in the grand final with a win over Yarrawonga at Norm Minns Oval tomorrow.
While the Hawks will be seen as outsiders, especially without the on-field presence of coach Sam Murray who will miss with suspension, a grand final ticket will have the Rovers fired up.
Murray, who will still be allowed to coach on the day, is looking forward to the clash.
“It’s a good opportunity and the club’s been waiting a number of years to be playing in games like these,” Murray said.
“We played a good game last weekend and one of the elements that got us that win was that we just played a four quarter game.
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“We’re excited to have another massive challenge against Yarrawonga this weekend and we know what lies ahead if we’re able to get over the line.”
The Hawks were just seven points down at the last break in their final round clash against the Pigeons with that affair fresh in the minds of the Rovers side.
“We only played them a few weeks ago so we know what they’re good at – their contested game is the best in the competition and they have dangerous players up forward with Matt Casey, Leigh Williams and Jess Koopman who had a good game against us last time,” Murray said.
“Last time they had a lot of forward supply so we need to find a way to limit that.
“It’s also going to be really important that our mids match them in the contest because they’re the best clearance side in the competition.
“Both games against them this year we’ve had opportunities to go three or four goals up but didn’t take our chances so that’ll be important.”
It will be an intriguing battle between Rovers gun key back Jace McQuade and star forward Leigh Williams who was limited to a total of just three goals in their two clashes this season.
“Jace (McQuade) will get the job on Williams again,” Murray said.
“Jace has probably had the better of him the last couple of times so we’re confident he can get the job done again.”
While last weekend’s win over Wangaratta was phenomenal, Murray’s well aware his side needs to go up level.
“Our ability to transition the footy and play a front half game was excellent last weekend,” he said.
“Our pressure was also as good as it’s been so that gives us confidence but we’re going to have to do that and more this weekend.
“The challenge when playing sides like Yarrawonga is winning the footy back so pressure will be crucial.”
Rovers will be forced to make changes with Murray out, while Sam Cattapan remains a test after hurting his shoulder against the ‘Pies.
“Sam Cattapan didn’t finish the game and copped a heavy knock to the shoulder so he’ll be a test and obviously I’m out too after accepting a week,” Murray said.
“We’ve got a number of guys that are ready to come back in though, Will McCarthy played his first game back from a leg injury in the reserves on the weekend.
“Cam Chamberlain hurt his shoulder against Myrtleford and he got through in the reserves on the weekend so he’s another one that’s there abouts.”
