COLAC coach Rowan McSparron doesn’t need to look too far into the past to know how tricky St Albans can be as an opponent.
The Tigers were made to work by the Supersaints in both meetings in 2019, claiming a 24-point win in Round 3 and a 21-point victory in Round 11.
So, it’s no surprise McSparron is wary of the threat St Albans could pose at The Gordon TAFE Oval on Saturday.
“They were really competitive both times,” he said. “And, as we know, their ground’s a little bit longer than most of the grounds in the GFL, and it’s a little bit tricky at times to play.
“With Benny Patrick taking charge, they’re going to be well-drilled and well-structured.
“Chris (Carlon) did a great job beforehand getting the boys competitive.
“They might have only won five games, but their percentage was up near 100, so they were really competitive in all matches in ’19, and I don’t expect too much different this time.”
GFL: THOMPSON BROTHERS SIDELINED
Colac has six changes to the team that lost the 2019 grand final in the dying stages.
2014 premiership player Kane Smartt, Brock Mahoney and Frazer O’Gorman have all returned to Central Reserve.
O’Gorman joins Bailey Scott (Colac Imperials) and Angus Uwland (Alvie) in making their senior debuts for the club.
Dustin Walters, who managed seven senior appearances in 2019, is the other change.
Among those missing from the grand final team are Tyler Murnane and brothers Ethan and Campbell Floyd, who are no longer at the club, Cooper Stephens (VFL duty), and Travis Woodmason and Brendan Monaghan, who will play reserves.
Former Geelong and Carlton midfielder Darcy Lang is unavailable due to VFL commitments with the Cats.
St Albans will have up to 10 newcomers, including exciting forward Jeremiah Scrutton, talented brothers Lachie and Will Wallace, and Ned Mullins.
The Supersaints are also excited by the prospects of teenager Brock McDonald, who has come through the club’s junior program.
Twitter: @tom_king79
