Albury star Dean Polo says he will choose the birth of his second child over Saturday’s grand final against Wangaratta at the Lavington Sportsground.
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Partner, Sara Connors, is due on Friday.
“It’s pretty simple, I’m hoping it doesn’t come to it, but I’m going to the birth mate,” he said.
The bombshell was only revealed at the press conference on Wednesday.
“It’s a good one actually, we’re not sure how it’s going to pan out … hopefully it (the baby) stays in or comes out early,” Tigers’ co-coach Joel Mackie joked.
Polo is not only one of the league’s best players, but he’s also one of the coolest and he said it won’t affect his preparation.
“I don’t think so,” he said.
“Obviously I’ll cross that hurdle it if comes to that in the end.
“It just comes whenever, we’re not going to do anything (different).
“I’d be pretty unlucky if it did.”
Polo is a three-time premiership player.
He’s now in his fifth season after 77 games with Richmond and St Kilda.
The 31-year-old plays in defence, although he can also rotate through the midfield.
He’s the best manufactured kick and is able to cleverly find opponents, despite enormous pressure.
It’s pretty simple, I’m hoping it doesn’t come to it, but I’m going to the birth mate.
- Dean Polo
Polo also has the ability to drop off opponents and help out a team-mate, particularly against a powerhouse forward, like Wangaratta’s Michael Newton.
And that will be important given Newton has kicked nine goals in the two matches he’s played against the Tigers.