WANDERERS coach Anton Saltmere is eyeing his first premiership as a coach as well as back-to-back titles as a player when the Devils meet Town Lions in the Lewie Fire premiership grand final.
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Saltmere said that if the minor premiers can beat Town for a third time this season then it will be a significant achievement for himself.
“I would put this premiership up there if we win,” Saltmere said.
“This club is bigger than me. It has been part of my family and my heritage for a long time. It’d be a highlight to actually win a premiership under coaching.”
Saltmere coached and played in the Wanderers side that lost to Black Stars in the 2013 grand final but this time has other plans.
“I don’t know when the last time a team went back-to-back in Mount Isa but it would be a big occasion.”
The Wanderers coach dismissed any claims that the regular season results against Town are a good indication of how the decider will pan out.
“Semi-final or grand final football is completely different from fixtures. They’ve been strong all season so I’m expecting a tough match again... The team with the right attitude on the day will come up trumps.”
Town Lions captain Marty Paulson said his side have done their homework since its lacklustre 36-10 defeat to the Devils almost three weeks ago.
“It wasn’t about being outclassed,” Paulson said.
“It was more about having the right attitude, especially in defence. If our forwards can match the Wanderers pack, which dominated us last time, and win that forward battle then we give ourselves every opportunity to win.”
There are little changes out of the Wanderers dressing shed but the Lions may welcome back two experienced players Bronson Smith and Jack Wilson into the fold.
Saltmere paid a special mention to a Wanderers clubman of 50 years, Jack Bowen, of which he will dedicate tomorrow’s game to.
The Player of the Grand Final will be awarded at the conclusion of the grand final as well as the premiership shield.
LEWIE FIRE PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL, AUGUST 22
Wanderers Devils v Town Lions at 3.30pm on Alec Inch Oval.