The rarity of a ‘mathematical’ hope playing finals has Werribee Centrals coach Rhyce Prismall not getting caught up in his club’s prospects of featuring on St Albans Reserve at the end of the month.
The Centurions’ win over Corio and losses by fifth-placed Inverleigh and sixth-placed Thomson have the Galvin Park-based club still alive heading into the final two rounds.
However, with Centrals needing to beat Geelong West (away) and Anakie, and have Anakie lose to North Geelong, along with the Hawks and Tigers going winless in the final two rounds, Prismall knows the chance of stealing fifth spot is unlikely.
When people say, ‘Oh, can you make finals’, and the response is ‘mathematically’ normally, it’s doubtful without being conclusive,” Prismall said.
“We’ve probably been in this situation for three or four weeks where we look at the ladder and you look at that and you go, ‘Oh, there’s a chance, but it’s unlikely’.
“But the nature of the competition all year has been you never know who’s going to win.”
After starting the season 0-4, the Centurions have won seven of their past 12, and three of their last four to stay in touch.
However, even if they do miss out, Prismall, who has signed a one-year contract extension, believes they have the momentum to carry into 2026.
“If we can get two wins there and you miss out, whether you miss out by a game or you miss out by a percentage or however it may be, it does build momentum,” he said.
“I think we’ll finish 9-9, and if that’s the case, although we’re not happy with it… when you’re talking to new recruits, when you’re talking to players who are umming and ahhing about the commitment level, you know, it just gives them a bit more hope to lead into the next season,
“We’re not going to lose any of them; I’ve committed, we’re looking forward to getting into that next stage of it whenever that occurs.”
Prismall has confirmed that while he will continue as coach, his playing days at senior level will conclude with the end of the Centurions’ season.
“I think it’s got to the point where I’m putting no effort into my playing and I’m probably going at 60 per cent,” he said.
“And then my coaching’s probably only going at 60 per cent because I’m trying to play and coach, and those who have done it before will understand it’s very, very hard to do.
“I’ve had a few games where I’ve been injured and just coached, and I really enjoyed it and probably had a better impact on the bench.
“It’s a bit emotional, I’m not going to lie, but I know it’s probably the best thing for the club, and I’ve always harped on it – no one’s more important than the club.
“I’m doing what’s best for the boys.”
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For Werribee Centrals to ‘steal’ fifth spot…
- They need to beat Geelong West and Anakie
- Anakie also needs to lose to North Geelong this week
- Inverleigh and Thomson need to lose to Bell Post Hill and East Geelong this week, and East Geelong and Bannockburn in Round 18, respectively.
