GOLDEN Rivers fans will be treated to a re-match of last year’s grand final, when Ultima look to avenge their loss to a Hay side which hopes to go back-to-back.
Ultima will make the interstate trip to Hay Park for Saturday’s clash, with the aim of being the first team to beat the Lions at home since Round 13 last year.
While the Lions remained atop the ladder all season and defeated the Roos in the second semi final, Ultima was the only team to defeat the minor premiers this year.
If Hay are to win, it will be the first time they claim back-to-back premierships.
Coach Mick Cattanach said Hay have “given ourselves the chance to make history”.
“Going back-to-back is something that is very hard to achieve,” he said.
“If we were able to go back-to-back, at home against a side like Ultima, it would be a massive achievement and we’re not going to take this lightly.
“Those involved in the senior team would be really disappointed with a loss – much like last year, we are going in with the sole objective of winning.
“We’ve had a very good year, and while we have the utmost respect for Ultima, people around Hay think this is a chance to watch us win it all.
Ultima coach Kyle Symons said his side knew they’d be running out as underdogs, but that the tag didn’t faze them one bit.
“We know it’s going to take a big effort, but we’re quietly confident,” he said.
“Being the underdogs, we don’t have that same pressure or fear of failure – we love that and are ready to throw everything at Hay.
“I really just want to get the result right this time because it’s been a while between premierships for the club.
“It would really mean a lot if we can deliver that to the club and the community of Ultima.”
Symons said that while he and his side would have preferred to go directly for the grand final, there were moments of the semi-final loss they took confidence from.
“The semi-final loss was definitely tough to take,” he said.
“Obviously we would’ve liked to get straight through, but our first quarter was pretty good.
“We had Hay on the back foot early, which made them realise we could match it with them.
“To put a little bit of doubt in their mind was probably the best thing to come out of that game for us.”
Both teams are likely to make a single change from their semi final match-up, the Roos hoping to welcome back Matt Taverna for the injured Brodie Bennett.
The Hay backline may be the only change for their team, with Daniel Zambon looking to replace James Eddy following an injury.
Both coaches are aware of the importance of the midfield battle this weekend, with both teams possessing dangerous on-ball talent.
With both teams stacked with goalkickers, including the league’s top two Ryan Devereux and Declan Watson, getting the ball forward will be key.
Cattanach said his side needed to remain focused on their defensive work, even if they get on top of the battle.
“In finals football, getting to the ball first is pretty much everything,” he said.
“I think the capacity for both sides to get their hands on the ball first and use it well will be crucial to who comes out on top on Saturday.
“We need to be hard at the footy, be smart when we’ve got it and also ensure we are defensively oriented.
“It’s those three things that underpin our game, when we are using the footy well and keep a good balance between attack and defence.
“It’s really important for our backline, which is similar to Ultima’s and is pretty creative, to make sure we’re defending first and foremost.”
The battle between Jack Cattanach and Jake Foster is set to be one for the ages, with the two midfield bulls keen to lead their team to glory.
Jacob Watson and Hugh Crighton are a pair of Lions who have the ability to win it on the inside or do the outside work, and will have a big say on Saturday.
Ultima’s addition of Ricky Wild and Lincoln Frost have given the Roos a pair of experienced heads, who know the pressures of grand finals well.
Symons said he wanted his side to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work when necessary, but they wouldn’t change the plan too much.
“My message will be just to trust each other, that’s what’s got us to the point we’re at now,” he said.
“No one has to go out there and do anything crazy if we all just do our jobs and play our roles.
“When we play well, its not really someone getting 30 disposals and standing out, it’s a handful of guys getting low 20s and being damaging with the ball.
“We can’t go into our shell – we’ve got to beat them, and that’ll be all about kicking goals when we have the chances.
“If our boys can break even in the middle and work hard, I think we can nullify Hay’s midfield a bit – whichever midfield settles earlier will get the advantage.
“We just have to be prepared to put our bodies on the line, I think that will be the big difference maker.”
Key Players:
Ultima: Cameron Johnson.
As full of run as he is class, you can count on Johnson having multiple running bounces on Saturday.
Johnson drives the Roos forward at all costs and has the ability to speed through packs or weave his way out of traffic.
Has impressive ball skills and is a key link into the Ultima forward line with his impeccable delivery.
Proved to be a key addition to the Roos, bringing finals experience from his time in the Central Murray.
Hay: Brad Pocock.
A premiership winning captain in last year’s grand final, Pocock’s ability to read the game from half-back is seriously impressive.
Strong overhead and good in a one-on-one, the Hay skipper is just as good at picking the perfect to propel his side forward.
A vocal leader on the field, who rallies his teammates to keep the standard which Hay set one another.
Pocock has the ability to run through the middle and can win his own ball when called upon.
