NORTH Wangaratta veteran Andrew Harris says a lack of Ovens and King finals experience won’t hurt his side in Saturday’s grand final against Whorouly at W.J. Findlay Oval.
The Hawks and Lions will clash for just the second time in a decider, with the only other grand final encounter a narrow win to Whorouly in 1977.
Harris is the only member of the North Wangaratta team to play in the club’s last grand final, a loss to Moyhu in 2003, but he said the Hawks have the talent to win their first flag since 1997.
“We’ve got guys like David Steer who has a lot of finals experience, we’ve got the two Bell boys, Mick Naish, Andrew Baker and myself,” the 36-year-old said yesterday.
“There’s a good core group who have experience.
“We’ve also got a good core of mid-20s players like Tyler Harries, Justin Adamo and Corey Bradley.”
The sides will also play in the reserves decider.
The 2003 season was the last time the Hawks had both sides in the decider, while Whorouly won both grades in 2007.
Harris, who will likely play at fullback against either Richard Leahy or Daniel West, will play in his third grand final.
A veteran of almost 150 games, Harris played in the loss to Chiltern in 1996 and the defeat to the Hoppers in 2003, while he was at the Wangaratta Rovers when the club won in 1997.
He is hoping his grand final luck will change in two days’ time.
“It’s a grand final so anything could happen,” said Harris, who is also a talented tennis player.
“We’ve got a track record against Whorouly and if we bring our A-game we will put ourselves in a good position.
“But you just don’t know how guys are feeling, their feelings and how nervous they are.
“We haven’t got any injuries that are going to keep people out.
“If we do make changes it will just be a selection thing.”
North Wangaratta will start slight favourites after winning the two clashes between the teams this season — by 42 points in the qualifying final at Milawa and by 23 points at Whorouly in round 9.
But Hawks assistant coach Gary O’Keefe said that win would mean nothing come Saturday.
“It’s nice but it doesn’t give you an advantage in a game like this,” he said.
“I think it will be a tight one like last year between Moyhu and Tarrawingee.
“No one wants to lose a grand final so both teams will fight to the bitter end.”
In all, the clubs, who first clashed in 1920, have played each other 116 times, with Whorouly holding a 72-44 advantage.
By - CHRIS MITCHELL
Sept. 13, 2012
www.bordermail.com.au
Last Modified on 13/09/2012 08:50