The men’s AFL grand final promises to be a ripper when the Tigers and the Buffaloes go head to head at Legends Oval on Saturday afternoon at 2pm.
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Tigers Coach Jarryd Harrison said after a disappointing finish to the 2017 season, the Tigers had re-grouped in 2018 with a newer looking side.
“We’ve had some great games against our opposition, but Saturday’s game is going to be the biggest game for our team,” Harrison said.
“It’s also the last game for some of our players wearing the yellow and black.”
Harrison said they have a few blokes away due to commitments and some under the injury cloud.
“But that gives some other players an opportunity to play finals football.”
Vice-Captain Jack Churches will not be playing due to family commitments away from town.
“We will be looking at our younger fast running players like Harry Mounsey, Greg Warren and Karl Eussen.
“It will be good to have our big Backman Simon T-bone Ishmael back in the side hoping to keep Buffaloe player Alex Cleary quiet after his big game last time we met.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of stopping the Buffs from going back to back this year,” he said.
The Premiers from 2017, the Buffaloes have been impressive.
Coach’s Evan Magnus and Charlie Johnstone said they had some outstanding talent join the club this year.
“We have moved forward from our first premiership in 22 years to continue our run throughout the 2018 season and come out the other end as Minor Premiers,” Magnus said.
“We have proved ourselves against the best this competition has to offer.”
Despite losing to the Tigers in the first final, the Buffaloes have fired their resolve to win back too back.
“We will be looking to use the skill and prowess of premiership players like Alistair Baker and Sean Bloomfield as well as the speed and control of both Tom Currie and Jai Green to outrun the larger Tigers squad.
“The desire to add another Premiership Cup to the trophy cabinet has never been greater, we hope the boys deliver and prove to Mount Isa that we are still the best team in North West Queensland.”