Co-captain Jack Walters says Anglesea is embracing the underdog tag as it aims to become just the second team to win the Bellarine flag from an elimination final since the introduction of the final five in 1997, and first since Torquay’s barnstorming run to the 2006 title.
The Roos face minor premier Geelong Amateur, who, after finishing three games clear on top of the ladder with a 15-3 win-loss record, romped to their first grand final berth in eight years with a 39-point win over Torqua.
“We finished fifth, so we’ve really come into the finals as underdogs across every game, which we love; we take it in our stride,” Walters said.
“We might be the underdogs, but we still believe that we’re the best team in the comp, and we still believe that we’re good enough to win it.”
Less than ideally placed outside the top five with a 6-7 win-loss record after losing to Torquay in Round 13, Walters believes playing on the edge since the late-season bye has been ideal.
“I think coming into every single game with the mindset that you have to win and you have to perform, it’s allowed a lot of our players to rise to the occasion,” Walters said.
“And that’s really brought out the best in a lot of players.”
“Going in knowing you must win, it’s been beneficial for us all, and I think it’s been a real drive for us going into the finals and preparing for the finals.”
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For Walters, Saturday’s decider at Grinter Reserve is a reward for fighting back from a second knee reconstruction.
The former Geelong Falcon and St Mary’s player suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament late in the 2023 season, missing Anglesea’s run to its first grand final in 24 years in 2024.
“It’s definitely tough… I’d been through the experience before, so that definitely helped with the rehab side of things,” Walters said.
“But watching footy’s never easy, no matter who you are, especially when you’re winning and your team’s having success – as great as it is – you still want to be a part of it.
“It was difficult at times.
“All I wanted to do was get back and play, and I was able to do that this year, and the body’s held up well, so that was my main focus.”
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