By Beth Newman
Wilston Grange and Sandgate will face off for the fifth time this season in the SEQAFL Division One Colts grand final.
And if it turns out anything like their semi-final a fortnight ago, all signs are pointing to a cracking decider.
The Hawks will be looking to go one step further than last year, when they fell 11 points short of Maroochydore.
They got their revenge on the Roos in last week’s preliminary final with an eight-goal final term sealing a 19-point win.
Hawks coach, Scott Cooper, said the side had proven their match toughness in the final weeks of the season, with time-on played for finals meaning quarters can stretch out to 30 minutes.
“Maroochydore felt the pinch in the end of last week and the heat’s getting up and the players are aware of that.
They’ve been training since November, so they’re pretty confident they can see a game out.”
The inclusion of a number of 18s in the seniors training program had held them in good stead for finals.
“All the U-18s have been training with the seniors since November last year and they’ve all stuck at it pretty well,” he said.
“There has been a truck load that have played senior, including four that aren’t eligible because they’ve played so much.
“The idea is to groom those guys (for senior footy).”
The Gorillas have had a week to recover from their bruising semi-final against the Hawks, and this could be to their advantage in summery conditions.
Grange coach, John Galligan, said it was hard to say how their extra week off would impact on the match, but his side would be ready for the Hawks tomorrow.
“There are always two schools of thought with that, but it gives you a chance to get over niggling injuries,” he said.
“We’re quite confident with the rest period that it’s worked out well for us.”
Both sides have some quality talents in their ranks, with Grange’s Jimmy Gotts leading the way.
Gotts was the league’s top goal kicker and put the sword to the hawks in the final stages of their semi-final.
The Hawks are not short on X-factor though, with Adam Tipungwuti and Josh Elmslie potential match winners in their own right.
The Hawks and Gorillas will face off for the 2013 colts crown from 9am at Giffin Park tomorrow. As well as social media updates, the match will be live blogged on the AFLQ website.
