HEYWOOD coach Jason Saunders was “a little concerned” about how his men would fare this South West District league season.
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The Lions had lost league best and fairest Stephen O’Brien and key tall Rob Bleumink among four key players who led the side to the 2013 grand final.
But there was hope. Countering Saunders’ pessimism was a realisation 12 premiership players from 2012 remained and depth in the reserves was strong.
“We were looking for the younger guys, that was a focal point of mine, to make sure we did play some of the young crew,” Saunders said.
“To be honest, there are only four or five reserves players who didn’t get a crack at seniors this year.”
Saunders should not have been worried. Heywood finished second with a 15-3 record and qualified for a third-consecutive grand final.
The Lions will play unbeaten powerhouse Dartmoor at Portland’s Hanlon Park tomorrow, hoping to cause the upset of the season.
Reaching the last day of the season marks the latest chapter in one of the best rags-to-riches tales in country Victorian football. Heywood was on its knees after a winless 2011 campaign in the Western Border league, prompting a landmark move to the South West District league.
Its first season in a new league finished with premiership glory, its second with grand final heartbreak at the hands of Coleraine.
“I was always a Portland boy but they had a tough few years. It’d been 50-odd years since their last premiership (in 2012),” Saunders said.
“They’ve bit the bullet and swallowed their pride and gone back to the South West league. It was a survive or drown scenario for them.
“It’s definitely paid off. To have seniors in the grand final three years in a row and the reserves for two in a row, it’s really exciting times.
“Hopefully (winning a premiership) will be a bit of reward for the guys who have done the tough yards over the years.”
But the task of unseating Dartmoor looms large.
It defeated Heywood in their three encounters this season, by 57 points in round five, 20 points in round 12 and 38 points in the second semi-final. Saunders acknowledged the size of the job facing Heywood and was happy to carry the underdog tag.
“Last week was the first time in two years we’ve played off in a preliminary final, the first time the season has been on the line,” he said.
“It was a different feeling but a feeling we were comfortable with. I feel as though we’re better prepared for this final than we were last year.”
Key forwards John Bell and Mick Wilson loom as key players for Heywood, along with utility Tyson Lovett-Murray and defender Joel Carter.
Carter has joined the Lions from Western Border club West Gambier and has played in four grand finals in five seasons.
Defender Aaron Johnstone and ball carriers James Imbi and Ben Millard have also enjoyed prolific seasons.
Former Warrnambool and District league pair Justin Lynch and Vinnie Ryan have been standouts for Dartmoor.