BULLIOH’S Aaron Gordon has tasted the pain of grand final defeat twice and doesn’t want to experience it again.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bulldog midfielder was a member of Rand-Walbundrie’s 45-point loss to Henty in 2014 and felt the same anguish last season when Kiewa-Sandy Creek lost to Thurgoona by 85 points.
Gordon, who turned 28 on Wednesday, is hoping it’s third time lucky against Federal in the Upper Murray league at Bullioh on Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to the weekend,” Gordon said.
“I’ve played in a few losses but haven’t been on the right side of one.
“It will be hard work and we’ll see how it goes.
“From my experience in finals and grand finals I’m expecting a close, tough game.”
Gordon joined Bullioh this season after two years with Tallangatta and District league club Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
He previously spent three years at Rand-Walbundrie with his brother, Justin.
Gordon also had time with Eastlake in the NEAFL.
The versatile Bulldog faces one of the biggest challenges opposed to Steve Bradshaw in Saturday’s grand final against Federal.
While Bradshaw will hold an advantage with his height at the centre bounces, Gordon will bank on his agility around the ground.
Bullioh’s midfield has been telling in it winning 16 straight games this season with Gordon complementing the likes of Hamish Clark and Josh Walters.
“We’re fortunate we have some good runners and are pretty versatile which is important,” Gordon said.
“Federal has a good midfield too.”
Clark expects Bullioh to take in the same side which defeated Federal by 40 points in the second semi-final at Bullioh.
“I would say we will go in with the same team,” Clark said.
“We’re expecting a pretty close game.
“We won’t be going in thinking we will smash them or anything like that.”
Federal coach Gerard Midson says his team won’t be overwhelmed by Bullioh being odds-on favourites.
“They deserve to be favourites after being undefeated,” Midson said.
“We’ve got a full list though and are playing pretty good footy.
“We can go out and give it everything.”
Saturday’s grand final draw
(At Bullioh)
Seniors: Bullioh v Federal at 2.15pm
Reserves: Bullioh v Cudgewa at 12.30pm
Under 13s: Bullioh v Federal at 11.20am