Gerringong players are hoping Saturday is their day in the sun, when they face Bomaderry in the first grade grand final for the Bolden Blackmore Shield at Ison Park.
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Nathan Aldridge’s Tigers will go into the clash confident and well rested, after enjoying a week off following their 2-1 victory against the Breakers in the major semi-final.
“The two week preparation has been great – it’s allowed a couple of the boys to iron out the niggles they had ahead of the final,” Aldridge said.
“We even had a team bonding breakfast last Saturday, as I believe at this time of year, you don’t need to be doing extras.
“We’ve tried to stay as relaxed as possible and treat the grand final just like another game of football.”
Despite defeating the Breakers in their past two meetings, Aldridge doesn’t believe his team has a psychological advantage.
“I don’t think that psychological aspect comes into it,” he said.
“Both teams are very evenly matched, all across the park and it’s going to come down to whoever wants it more.
“It’s going to be a tough game but this match is why I returned to the club this season – I wanted to win a premiership.”
Contrastingly, competition champions Gerringong, who were also grand finalists last season, had to qualify for the grand final the hard way – defeating Illaroo 5-nil in last Saturday’s preliminary final.
“I still think we played very well in the major semi-final, so we are not going to change anything from the last time we played Bomaderry,” Breakers coach Jadon Lavington.
“I love the momentum we are riding on at the moment, especially after the Illaroo game - it's a completely different vibe around the club compared to this time last season.
“Some of the boys still feel the sting from losing that final game last season to Culburra and it feels like we have unfinished business with Bomaderry.”
On Saturday, Bomaderry will be looking to add to their four premierships - the most recent in 2001, while Gerringong are looking for their second crown, after winning in 2012.
Action at Ison Park on Saturday will kick-off at 11am when Wreck Bay battle Huskisson for the third grade crown, before Culburra and Huskisson clash in reserve grade from 1pm.
First grade is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off.