All guns firing
By Ben Lonergan (Armidale Express, 18/09/2015)
A fourth consecutive Tamworth AFL premiership is potentially just 120 minutes away for the New England Nomads.
The three-time reigning grand final victors are red-hot favourites to lift the premiership once again tomorrow, but will have to contend with a dangerous Tamworth Kangaroos side.
It will be a fitting end to the season no matter which side hoists the trophy, with the Nomads and Kangaroos easily the two standout teams in the TAFL in 2015.
Preparations for the decider have been almost perfect for the Nomads according to player-coach Zac Economou.
“Everything is coming together,” he said.
“The boys are looking forward to it.
“It’s the most focused I’ve seen the boys in a long time.”
Economou, who along with Tom Granleese and Dave Richards are the only players in the squad to have played in the last three grand final wins, said premierships don’t become any less sweet no matter how many you win.
“We haven’t been taking this journey for granted,” he said.
“If anything winning more just makes you appreciate the feeling even more and sharing the experience with a different group of guys every season is really special.
“You put in all the work and a grand final is the reward.”
But Economou said they have a huge job ahead of them before any celebrations.
“The Roos have showed when they are playing good footy, they are as good as anyone,” he said.
“We know what they are capable of.”
The weekend break as a result of beating the Roos in the major semi-final has the Nomads fit and firing according to Economou.
“It was fantastic to have that break,” he said.
“It’s given us the chance to get a number of guys back to full strength.”
And in another ominous message for the Roos.
“Saturday is going to be the first time all year we have had every player available,” Economou said.
Entry to Bellevue Oval for tomorrow’s grand final is free, with the match to kick off at 2pm.
Not for reproduction except by permission of the Armidale Express
