THE mind games between Thurgoona defender Mark Haydon and Mitta United ruckman Nick Fraser started first thing on Monday morning and are showing no signs of slowing down.
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Haydon, 25, has been trying to get some mail on his carpentry workmate’s suspect shoulder ahead of Saturday’s grand final and admits he’s getting nowhere.
“There has been a bit of banter to and fro,” Haydon said.
“He’s trying to tell me that he’s not playing but he will.
“It’s all good fun.”
Thurgoona coach Leigh McGlynn also works with the pair and was on hand yesterday to stir the pot when Haydon and Fraser were having their photo taken by The Border Mail.
Haydon’s form, though, has been no laughing matter.
He has been sensational for Thurgoona at centre half-back since joining the club eight seasons ago from a rugby background with Forbes Platypi.
It was only by chance that he joined the Bulldogs.
“I hadn’t played at all before I came here,” Haydon said.
“A few mates I had met through sport conned me into coming down for a run.”
The Tallangatta and District league representative defender, who played his 100th match earlier this season, faces the tough task of curbing Mitta United dangerman James Gray in the premiership decider.
He believes the Bulldogs will be better for last year’s grand final experience.
“We are a bit fresher this year,” he said.
“We have had a tougher run into the finals which I think helps as well.
“Leading into the finals we had some tough matches and that’s been good.”
Thurgoona defeated Mitta United by 18 and three points in their home-and-away matches this season before the Blues hit back with a six-point win in the qualifying final.
Haydon admits he would be surprised if much separated the line-ups again.
“It has been tight every time we have played them and this will be no different,” he said.
“You just have to hold your nerve.”
