OVERCONFIDENCE is a taboo topic in football – but Nirranda’s humble roots are keeping its feet on the ground as its premiership charge gathers momentum.
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Shane Threlfall’s Nirranda shocked the football fraternity in 2016, beating the previously undefeated Old Collegians to raise a drought-breaking flag.
It was the ultimate underdog story.
Two years on, and Nirranda is the Warrnambool and District league flag favourite courtesy of strong recruiting.
It’s a different spot. And Threlfall believes Nirranda’s humble rise through the ranks has it poised to ruffle feathers again in 2018.
Nirranda stepped closer to a finals berth on Sunday, downing Merrivale in the WorkSafe Game of the Month to flex its muscle.
The result was never in doubt. Nirranda burst out of the blocks in the opening term, booting four unanswered goals.
It extended the margin at every break to post a dominant 19.19 (133) to 1.1 (7) victory.
Threlfall said Nirranda’s “disappointing” preliminary final exit at the hands of Old Collegians last season had created hunger within his side.
“We went out of the finals series and we were really disappointed with that. Even though we lost a lot of players (in 2017) we felt we still had a list capable of winning games,” he said.
“To go out in the finals really showed the boys who played in our 2016 flag how enjoyable it is to win one. To go out in the finals gave them real motivation for this year.”
He said while Nirranda boasted a tall forward line, versatility was proving to be a strong suit for his side.
“We’re fortunate that particularly with (Jack) Primmer and (Jesse) Dalton, we can throw into the ruck to give Knoxy (Ratu) a rest,” Threlfall said.
“We can use one of our tall forwards further up the ground. The last couple of years, we probably haven’t been able to do that.
“We haven’t had that luxury in previous years. But we can use our tall forwards in other roles. They’re great young players that are happy to play whatever role we ask them to do.”
Forward Travis Graham continued his rich vein of form, slotting eight majors while Gary Robinson chimed in with seven.
Both Graham and Robinson were among Nirranda’s bests, while midfielders Brayden Harkness, Isaac Templeton, Will Paulin and defender Daniel Threlfall rounded out the top six.
Threlfall said clean ball movement was vital in the triumph.
“I think we’re sharing the ball well, whether its by hands or feet,” he said.
“We’re able to create a loose man, and once we do that and get our overlap run going, we look pretty good for me.”
