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MITTA United coach Clinton Gilson believes the Blues are in better shape than last season to win the premiership.
Although the Blues will start underdogs in today’s decider against Kiewa-Sandy Creek at Sandy Creek, Gilson said yesterday he preferred this preparation to last year when they lost to Barnawartha.
“Only because last year we played two finals and had the week off and I think everyone sort of thought that Barny was going really well but were going to lose at some stage,” Gilson said.
“Obviously they had a lot of belief and momentum.
“Whereas this year we are a bit the same as Barny in that we lost the first final and were terrible and then we managed to turn it around by playing two good finals.
“We are playing well at the right time.
“Hopefully we have one more good game in us.”
Kiewa-Sandy Creek coach Ryan Richardson was an interested onlooker at the Blues’ impressive preliminary final win over Thurgoona last weekend and admitted the Hawks faced a challenge stopping forwards James Gray, Alex Beggs and David Paton.
Paton has kicked nine goals in three finals while Gray boasts six.
They monstered their opponents against Thurgoona and Barnawartha and are likely to be picked up by Wylie Jackson and Adam Telford with Zac Mona another option.
“It will come down to the midfield pressure to stop their supply,” Richardson said.
“Our back six have been in great form also.
“We just back our blokes to get the job done.”
Gilson agreed the midfield battle would be crucial.
“I think that’s the key,” Gilson said.
“They have an even spread of seven or eight good A grade midfielders and we must break even or win that battle.
“The game will be won and lost through the middle and whoever makes the most of their opportunities going forward.
“The last few weeks we are starting to get 21 contributors and aren’t relying on Jarrod and Tyson Gorupic, Reyno (Nathan Reynoldson), Darcy Eaton and Brenty Olsen (as much as we were).”