ONE of the biggest jobs in Tallangatta league footy is on the horizon for Darcy Carroll.
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The Tallangatta backman is the likely match-up for Kiewa spearhead Guy Telford.
In the back of his mind though, he'll remember the 10-point win the Hoppers enjoyed over the Hawks in the semi-final a fortnight ago.
Despite getting hold of the Hoppers early and booting five first-half goals, Telford had the clamps put on him after half time.
Carroll was instrumental in that endeavour, but he had plenty of help come from his midfield and fellow defenders.
For him, the man he lines up on means nothing.
“It's just another job, and someone has to do it,” Carroll said.
“We'll play a fairly natural defensive game, it was a team effort last time and it will need to be the same again.
“It's going to be a massive challenge, but there's been a huge buzz around the club, everyone is ready for it.”
The Hoppers were able to hold up the Hawks enough through the middle of the ground to be able to get numbers back, where Carroll was ready to provide a contest.
Telford still finished with eight goals for the day, but the Hawks could only muster four after half time.
With Leigh Cameron only a 50-50 chance to return, Telford said the Hawks would have to lift across the board to avoid a repeat.
"To get Leigh back into the side would be a huge bonus,” Telford said.
“He's got one of the best sets of hands in the entire competition, and having him back would certainly ease a little bit of pressure from the forward line.
“That certainly showed against Tallangatta in the semi-final, they put some good pressure on us and we found it difficult to score at times.”
If Cameron doesn't play, it won't exactly mean the Hawks are hard-up for goal scoring options.
Andrew Carter showed that he can take a grab in the preliminary final, while tough utility Ryan Wallace has proven that he's capable in the forward half this season as well, with 40 goals to his name.
Despite this, Telford said plenty would come down to the battle through the middle of the ground.
“Getting that quick delivery into the forward line will be pretty important I think,” he said.
“Teams that make it this far in the season are smart and will look to push players back quickly, you've got to be able to beat them there.”
