MILAWA coach Luke Sims has revealed the heartache of losing last year’s grand final has acted as motivation for the club’s tilt at this year’s flag.
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The Demons have lost just two games since their demoralising two-point grand final loss to Tarrawingee and have a chance for a slice of redemption in Sunday’s blockbuster preliminary final against the Dogs at Moyhu.
“Certainly the disappointment is there,” Sims said yesterday.
“Hopefully those sorts of (motivational) things can help get us across the line on Sunday.
“Last year’s grand final was such a unique game of footy.
“It was a game of two halves.
“Each side dominated one half and at the end of the day there was nothing between them.
“It could have gone either way.
“There was no real reason why either side lost that game.”
The Demons, who won through to the preliminary final after a massive 89-point qualifying final win against Benalla All Blacks, are likely to welcome back veteran forward Mick Newton from a knee injury and midfielder-forward Dallas Colman from a quad complaint.
Tarrawingee is also likely to receive a personnel boost, with Daniel Salmon (concussion) and Aaron Vihm (ribs) both expected to play.
As a quirk of the draw, the two teams have played just once this season, with Milawa winning by 72 points at home in round 4.
The Jason Akermanis-inspired Demons were unstoppable in front of a grand final-like crowd, keeping the Dogs to just two goals after half-time with Daniel Lewis booting six and Akermanis four in the win.
But Sims said little could be taken out of that game.
“That was a unique day for footy in general,” Sims said.
“It had a grand final atmosphere.
“I don’t think a hell of a lot can be taken out of that one.
“It was a long time ago. I think everyone has put that game to bed and moved on.”
While Milawa will be refreshed after the week off, the Dogs were made to work hard in their semi-final win against Whorouly.
The Lions led at quarter-time before being overrun and beaten by 41 points.
Sims, who denied the clubs hated each other, said he expected the Dogs to come out hard.
“Of recent years I think both clubs really look forward to playing each other,” he said.
“We know what we are going to get.
“It’s very competitive and played in good spirits.
“I expect the same on Sunday.
“I think it’s just as hard to win a preliminary final as it is to win a grand final.
“To win a grand final you’ve got to be good enough to beat every team.
“We’ve obviously got to win this week to have another opportunity.”
