Werribee Centrals coach Rhyce Prismal has quickly claimed underdog status ahead of next week’s grand final after ending Winchelsea’s dream of a first appearance in a GDFNL decider with a 27-point win at St Albans Reserve, 12.10 (82) to 7.13 (55).
The Centurions broke open what had been a tight contest until three-quarter time in the final term, kicking four goals to one to book a meeting with qualifying final conquerors East Geelong next Saturday.
It will be Centrals’ first grand final appearance since 2010 as they chase their first flag since 2004.
“We’ll go in with no pressure, and we’ll thrive on that,” Prismall said.
After being well beaten by the Eagles just a fortnight ago, when Prismall lamented his team carrying several passengers, Werribee Centrals ended a seven-year finals win drought in overcoming the Belmont Lions in last week’s first semi-final.
And like the victory over the Lions, the Centurions produced another even performance against the Blues.
“It’s been a team effort two weeks in a row,” he said.
“I know there’s been some individual players who have played well, but you would hardly find a poor player in our last two games.”
Kur Kur, who returned from injury in the Round 18 win over East Geelong, showed his undoubted talent with a five-goal haul on a day where kicking for goal was impacted by a strong breeze and wet conditions.
“In the last home-and-away game, he was really poor, and (I) put it on him that he’d shake the niggles out,” Prismall said.
“His two finals have been excellent; he kicked four goals in the first half.
“He’s a hard match-up. As long as he stays close to goal, they’re easy to kick, aren’t they?”
Brothers Connor and Bryce Linehan-Cunningham also impressed for the Centurions, as did Brandon Houlihan, who finished with two goals, and Bradley Carlton.
Prismall will have some tough calls to make at selection for the grand final, with Kai Gomes Pattiyage (head knock) and Blake Taylor (hamstring) likely to push for selection having not played since the qualifying final.
“Whether we take that risk or we go with what’s been working, there’s maybe positional things we’ll have to look at,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there’s probably going to be two upset people.
“Who they are, we don’t know.”
Cam Primmer kicked three goals for Winchelsea to finish the season with 86 majors.
Ruck Jack Terrill, Rory Baulch and Caleb Brown battled hard for the Blues, who were again without Team of the Year member Fin Parish (thumb).
Jackson Smith, who last week won his second Ivan Tansing Medal as GDFNL reserves best-and-fairest, was the inclusion for Parish, in what was his first senior match since 2022.
X: @krockfootball
