KOROIT’S junior program has come a long way in two seasons.
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The Saints’ under 14 side will take on South Warrnambool in the Hampden league grand final at Cobden on Sunday.
Coach Damien Noonan said it was an achievement which would have been considered a pipedream not long ago.
“Two years ago I coached the under 14s and we only had eight players,” he said.
“We got through the year and didn’t even win a game and some games we didn’t actually score, so it’s been a big turnaround with all the people who have helped on the committee and recruiting a few players.
“(The) age group (has had more numbers) and a few lads from Warrnambool brought a couple of mates.
“With word of mouth, we’ve got good people out there, like getting Brian Brown back to the club.”
Noonan said the Saints’ under 14 side had the benefit of watching a successful senior program up close and had something to aspire to.
“With the seniors, the culture that Adam Dowie and all those blokes like Chris McLaren have brought is starting to filter through so hopefully the juniors can get like the seniors,” he said.
Koroit is wary of a South Warrnambool side brimming with talent, including league best and fairest winner Archie Stevens.
“As long as we play the way we’ve been playing then we’re in with a chance,” Noonan said.
“The lads play for each other and that’s the main thing.
“It’s not about winning, it’s about giving the kids a go and hopefully they enjoy it all and have fun.”
Saints midfielder Sam Cozens said they needed to “just work as a team as we have done all year and hopefully come out on top”.
“It is going to be pretty exciting. We need all the midfielders helping out the back line, everyone working as a team and just giving it to the best option,” he said.