Sport
19 August, 2021
Finals footy awaits Kolora Noorat
THE feeling of finals football is well and truly entrenched at Kolora Noorat as it embarks on another premiership quest.
THE feeling of finals football is well and truly entrenched at Kolora Noorat as it embarks on another premiership quest.
The Power, which is no stranger to the Warrnambool and District league finals, is set to line-up in the qualifying final against Merrivale on Saturday.
Coach Ben Walsh said his side was eager to get stuck into finals football following numerous COVID interruptions this season.
“It’s almost a bit of a relief the home and away season is done and dusted,” he said.
“It’s great to get to this time of year and it certainly has that finals feel about it and it even did last week.
“There was good energy and a good vibe probably because of the time of year we’re at, there’s plenty of blokes on the track and the days are starting to get longer so it’s definitely exciting.”
The Power will enter the contest without four of its Melbourne-based players – Ben Fraser, Jason Moloney, Jacob Mahony and Tom McKenzie – but Walsh is backing in his young brigade to shine on the wide expanses of Mortlake’s D.C. Farran Oval.
“It’ll be a big challenge against Merrivale. It looks like they’re in a bit of form but we’ll go in confident knowing that if we play well we can get the job done,” he said.
“I think both clubs are pretty happy it’s there (at D.C. Farran Oval), Merrivale normally play on a big ground but we also think it suits the waywe play.
“Our younger boys especially are looking forward to it because it gives guys with a stronger running capacity the chance to show that.
“I know both sides are looking forward to it and its set it up for a pretty exciting game.”
With both clubs appreciating the bigger ground, Walsh said the midfield battle will go a long way to deciding the game.
Power bulls Joel Moloney, Brad Johnson, Nick Hoare and Luke McConnell will be crucial around the clinches, while the run and carry from Scott Judd, Ben Reid and Harry O’Sullivan will be equally as important.
Walsh said his side would also need to nullify the influence of severalkey Tigers.
“They have Manny Sandow and some really experienced mids so we think clearly the midfield is going to be important,” he said.
“If we can get on top there and get in our forward half, it will allow us to set up defensively there.
“We just need to ensure we get on top of the clearances and get momentum and then set the ground up.
“Then if we can get it in quickly, we have some players who we think can do some damage up there. That’s the key because both sides will be thinking the midfield battle will be pretty important.”
With the majority of the Power’s line-up already well-versed on the finals stage, there are others who are set to get the opportunity to shine.
Emerging forward Ryley Hutchins and rising ruckman Sam Kenna are two players set to get opportunities on the finals stage which Walsh said was exciting.
“That’s why everyone plays really, to get to these big games so for Ryley, Sam, even Bailey Kemp and Joel Dillon who have been in and around now for a while and have the chance take their opportunity, is exciting,” he said.
“I’m excited for them. We just want them to play to their strengths and take the game on and enjoy the opportunity and take responsibility.
“We’re really keen to give it a good crack over the next couple of weeks.”
Saturday’s game starts at 2pm, with spectators unable to attend.
The under 18s will also play on Saturday against Old Collegians, while the reserves play South Rovers in Sunday’s elimination final.
The under 15s have a week’s break after finishing on top of the ladder.