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RAND-WALBUNDRIE coach Daniel Athanitis will call the shots from the sidelines in the grand final after tearing his hamstring last week against Henty in the second semi-final.
Athanitis missed Saturday’s preliminary final with the injury and has also already ruled himself out of the decider.
The Tigers coach was replaced by utility Justin Dickson, who has only played half-a-dozen senior matches so far this season.Dickson celebrated his return to the senior line-up with a faultless display across half-back and was named in the Tigers’ best and is certain to retain his place in the biggest match of the season.
“I tore my hamstring against Henty halfway through the second quarter,” Athanitis said.
“I was hoping it wasn’t a tear but it was. But honestly I think I’m better off coaching from the sidelines anyway.
“Justin come into the side and was terrific on the weekend. He gives us a lot more flexibility.
“He also gives us a bit more experience in defence and know what it takes to win a grand final after having played in a flag for North Albury.”
Athanitis missed a large chunk of the year after undergoing an arthroscope on his knee early in the season.
He returned to the line-up in round 16 and played in the Tigers’ final five matches of the season.