Merrivale's Luke Byrne to play in first senior football final

The 20-year-old will line up on the half-forward flank for the Tigers in his first senior football final on Saturday.

He has previously played junior finals at both under 16 and 18.5 levels for Hampden league outfit South Warrnambool. He won flags in 2017 (under 16) and '18-19 (under 18.5s).

But now Byrne, who played juniors at Merrivale, will get his chance on the big stage in the Warrnambool and District league's final series.

"I'm a little nervous as it's my first senior finals and I have played a fair few finals at South but this will be different without crowds," he said.

"We would like to have crowds but there is nothing we can do about that and it is still finals footy and things go to another level so it'll still be good."

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Byrne returned to the Tigers to join mates and play seniors consistently in 2020 before the season was wiped out by the coronavirus.

The Southern Victoria Plumbing employee said he had enjoyed this season, where he has played 13 games and kicked 23 goals, but admitted it also had its challenges.

"We have been competitive all year and it was good to get a win over Panmure (in round 16) as it was good to get a win over a team above us," he said.

"It has been bumpy with the COVID breaks as you lose a bit of motivation. I kept motivated because we are a strong side and that we would make finals - that kept me coming to training.

"I thought if we train well and play good enough we should be able to push pretty deep."

Byrne said the side was pleased to secure the double chance after finishing fourth and were eager to overcome the two defeats they suffered against the Power earlier this season.

The forward has been pleased with his season but is eager to continue his improvement in coming years with the Tigers.

Merrivale plays Kolora-Noorat at D.C Farren Oval on Saturday.

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