Tigers’ great leap forward

HENTY co-coach Brent Piltz says the Swampies are in the best shape of his three-year tenure heading into tomorrow’s decider against Rand-Walbundrie.

The Swampies finished second on the ladder for the third consecutive season and are into their second grand final in three years after a 27-point win over the Tigers in the second semi-final.

While injuries have derailed their past two finals campaigns, Piltz said he would offering no excuses if the Swampies lost tomorrow.

“As we found out a couple of years ago you need a lot of things going right for you, not only throughout the year but on the day,” he said.

“The last couple of years we have probably limped into finals and had a few things not go our way.

“But we are in pretty good shape this year compared to previous years.

“But in saying that anything can happen on the day, as we found out a couple of years ago when a few blokes were finished before half-time.

“We are fully aware that a lot of things still have to go right if we are to get the job done.”

Piltz returned to his junior club in 2012 after a glittering career with both North Albury and Myrtleford in the Ovens and Murray.

The raking left-footer played in flags with the Hoppers in 1999 and 2002 and was runner-up in 2000, 2004 and 2007.

Piltz also played in two heartbreaking losses with Myrtleford in 2005 and 2006.

The Swampies are chasing their first premiership since 1996 and Piltz said it would be a dream come true to deliver a drought-breaking flag.

The 35-year-old is the only remaining member of the 1996 flag team after he burst onto the scene as a lanky 17-year-old before joining North Albury the following season.

“All flags are special but to coach my home club to a flag would be extra special,” he said.

“I suppose the flags that I have won were a lot earlier on in my career.

“It’s not until you start coaching that you really appreciate the amount of work that goes into a footy club on and off the field.

“To see the amount of work that does go into it would certainly be a great reward.

“You certainly can’t afford to take these opportunities for granted.”

Piltz was an interested onlooker at last week’s preliminary final and left impressed with the Tigers’ 39-point win over Howlong.

“The preliminary final result was what I expected and they have got some quality players you certainly have to watch ,but we are the same,” he said.

“I think it will be a very close encounter, the same as a couple of weeks ago, and it will come down to who makes the most of their opportunities.”