AHEAD of the Under-19 Grand Final, WRFL Media Manager Kristen Alebakis speaks to Werribee Districts coach Darron Batties and Altona coach Chris Goetz about their preparations ahead of Saturday's do-or-die clash.
TIGERS ANSWER THE CHALLENGE
By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
WERRIBEE Districts coach Darron Batties is asking his team for one more big effort as his team prepares to battle Altona in the Under-19 Grand Final.
A year on from their loss to Deer Park, Batties believes his team is in a much better place to attack the final game of the year.
“Last year we were knocking on the door, this year we have two hands on the handle,” he said.
“We don’t have any players invited to the league best and fairest night, that sums up our team.
“We have an even team.
“I have always said that the best teams win Grand Finals. We are a good team. We will know if we are the best on Saturday.”
Batties said despite some challenges, this season has been very consistent.
“We started pre-season in late February, to hopefully give us some fresh legs later in the season and touch wood, it has worked,” he said.
“We have had some pretty bad injuries which has been unfortunate. We wouldn’t have had more than two people on the bench this season, but we have been able to answer the challenges this year and win some close games.”
Finally, Batties wanted to thank the Werribee Districts Football Club, the supporters, families and players for their ongoing support in 2017.
“I wanted to thank the volunteers who support the group week to week,” he said.
“All the players have learnt a lot over the past two years, we have given them some high demands and some of them have played senior footy as well rep games.
“It is a dedicated group, and they won’t be satisfied until they get their wish on the weekend.
“There are no excuses, we are wither good enough or we are not.”
GOETZ SAYS HIS PROUD OF HIS TEAM’S ACHIEVEMENTS
By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
ALTONA fought off a gallant Yarraville Seddon Eagles in the Preliminary Final to earn a spot in the Under-19 Grand Final.
The Vikings will go head-to-head with the Tigers at Whitten Oval, with the winner taking home the silverware and title of best of the west.
Altona coach Chris Goetz said the focus this season was to finish in the top four.
“Its a fantastic feeling to have now made the Grand Final,” he said.
“Regardless of the outcome, having our Reserves, Under-19’s and Under-17’s in the Grand Final is a real indication as to what the future hold for such a deserving club.
“We have a very tight knit playing group and to see their dreams become a reality is all the reward I need.
“I’m very excited for the future of Altona Football Club. With the Under-17’s being undefeated and winning the premiership and the Under-19’s and Reserves playing in a Grand Final, is a very positive result and shows a strong future.”
Goetz said if they were to hold the Premiership Cup at the end of the game, it would be a great reward for the players, coaching staff and supporters.
“Without volunteers the competition wouldn’t exist,” he said.
“Thank you very much to the people of the Altona Vikings for making my job easier.
“A special mention to my Team Manager, Mark Kennedy (Kenno) who just gets it done, every time. He is the first to offer a kind word and cold drink at the end of the day.”
Last Modified on 13/09/2017 13:45