Lavington coach Simon Curtis says he's looking forward to clearing his name at Thursday night's appeal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
IN OTHER NEWS:
- Inaccurate Panthers topple gutsy Saints in preliminary final
- Wangaratta dedicate gutsy win over Yarrawonga to club stalwart Chris Crimmins
- Raising awareness of problems caused by gambling
Curtis, who will be one of the favourites at Monday night's Morris Medal, will appeal the two-match ban he received - with one suspended - from the O and M tribunal last week for striking Wangaratta's Michael Bordignon in the grand final qualifier on September 7.
A backlog of appeals to AFL Victoria means the case has been pushed back.
Curtis was granted a stay of sanction to play at Wodonga's John Flower Oval yesterday due to exceptional and compelling circumstances.
"It's definitely not ideal," Curtis said after Lavington booked a grand final berth with a 21-point win over Myrtleford.
"In terms of my personal issue, I've got some good assistants, I feel it's been prepared and I'd just like to clear my name, cop a bit of attention today (Sunday) for the wrong reason.
I'd just like to clear my name, cop a bit of attention today (Sunday) for the wrong reason.
- Simon Curtis
"My philosophy is footy's fun, I've got another day job, this just happens to be another job, I just try and contribute any way I can."
Of course, Curtis has taken a risk by playing against the Saints because, if the appeal is dismissed, he will miss Sunday's grand final against Wangaratta at that club's home ground, Norm Minns Oval.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have a week to improve their inaccuracy after kicking 12.19 (91) to the Saints' 11.4 (70) - more than double the scoring shots.
"It's been an ongoing battle, I think this year there's only been one game where we haven't had more inside 50s than the opposition and that was against Myrtleford (in round 17)," he said.
"It's the type of shots we're having, we look to get the best quality shots we can and we look for players not to take shots they don't think they can kick, so there's lots of little tweaks like that."
Wangaratta will start a clear favourite in its third successive grand final.
It's Lavington first in three years as it looks to snap a 14-year flag drought.