ANNA McKenzie believes Old Collegians’ preparation for a third straight B grade grand final could prove the winning formula.
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The Warriors are hoping it’s third time lucky on Saturday after falling agonisingly short in the past two Warrnambool and District league deciders.
McKenzie, 33, said Old Collegians were ready to play Russells Creek.
“We’ve had a really good run home. We’ve pulled together at the right stage, usually in B grade you’re falling apart by this end of the season,” the Warriors goal attack said.
“But we fell apart at the start and our injuries aren’t too bad at the moment, so that makes a big difference.”
McKenzie, an 11-year veteran at the Warriors, hopes the club’s two junior sides can set the tone.
Old Collegians’ 17 and under and 15 and under teams will also feature on grand final day at Reid Oval on Saturday.
“I just think it really shows how well the club’s done this year, especially for the juniors teams to be coming up through,” McKenzie said.
Old Collegians’ 17 and under defender Monique Forbes said the Warriors, who will play Dennington, had surpassed expectations.
“This year we’ve had a few injuries. Our side has been pretty jumbled up,” she said.
“We haven’t really played with the same line up ever, so to get this far has been an achievement in itself but to bring the cup home would be amazing.
“Last year we finally won in 15s, which was so good, but it would be nice to get the repeat (in an older age group).”
Warriors’ 15 and under centre Chloe McKenzie, who will line up against Merrivale, said they’d benefitted from a settled side.
“We’ve been pretty strong throughout the season,” she said.
“I think our attitude towards the games has been what’s got us through.”