John Howard was Prime Minister, the Sydney Olympics were a year away, and Anglesea lifted its third Bellarine premiership cup.
Little did the Roos know that 25 years later, they would own the second-longest premiership drought in the competition.
However, that can all change tomorrow at Leopold Memorial Park when Jordan Keras’ men take on Torquay in this year’s decider.
However, for it to happen, Keras, who finished runner-up in this year’s Les Aash Medal, knows they can’t afford to play catch-up football.
Anglesea trailed Drysdale by as much as 25 points in the qualifying final and the Tigers by 26 in the second semi.
“We’re just really hoping we can put a more even spread across all four quarters,” Keras said.
“That’s going to be an emphasis; not letting them jump us so we have to make a five, six, seven-goal deficit to win.
“If we can start well and be in the game, it should hold us in good stead.”
Keras has confirmed that Jack Rice, who suffered a hamstring injury in the qualifying final, and Courtney Wedderburn are “likely”.
“They trained last night, and we’re hoping they don’t pull up too sore from training,” Keras said.
Max Simpson (soreness) and Harrison Veale, who returned this week from fighting the wildfires in Canada, are set to miss out.
“We couldn’t foresee ‘Vealey’ going to fight the fires for such a long period of time,” Keras said.
“It was a great opportunity for him.
“He returned yesterday and trained last night and put his best foot forward.
“We’ll wait and see.”
AT SELECTION: BFNL GRAND FINAL
Despite playing in both finals, Josh King has been squeezed out of the team.
“He’s had a great finals series for us,” Keras said.
“But there have been some guys come up coming back injury.
“He’ll be our first emergency.”
As Anglesea’s favourite son, Patrick Dangerfield, led Geelong to a qualifying final victory in Adelaide, the Seas faithful gathered en masse at Ellimatta Reserve to watch their team training and the Cats book a preliminary final berth.
“I think we did 200, 250 meals at the club, and normally only get 100, 120; it was such a great buzz,” Keras said.
“We had past players down, a lot of people from the community.
“It was a special night, one to remember.
“There was plenty of buzz; the boys are raring to go.”
Meanwhile, Torquay included Will Tamassy, Cooper Heard, and Tom Grace on an extended bench.
X: @krockfootball
