Sport
12 August, 2022
Finals on the line in local derby
THE equation is simple for Waubra on Saturday.
THE equation is simple for Waubra on Saturday.
Win and you’re in.
The Kangaroos head into the final round of the Central Highlands season in control of their own destiny, as well as the finals hopes of both Bungaree and Rokewood.
Waubra currently sits a game inside the top eight and will be unable to count on scraping in on percentage should it lose to Learmonth and the others win.
Despite being winless in their first month, a rejuvenated Kangaroos clawed their way back into contention by taking points off some of the competition’s top sides.
The 2019 premier is no stranger to these types of matches, with coach Matt James confident his side has the system to get over the line.
“For us it is an Elimination Final. It’d be nicer if we were already locked away but to be in the hunt this late into the season is still exciting,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get there and if we do, I don’t think any of those sides in the bottom four of the eight will want to play us. But we’re all focused on getting the job done this week so we can have that opportunity.”
Adding to the significance of Saturday’s match is James’ decision to step down as Kangaroos coach at the end of the side’s campaign.
The club is hopeful Saturday’s local derby against Learmonth will not be James’ last at the helm.
“I’ll try and soak it up as much as I can,” James said.
“Though in saying that those two hours on a Saturday are some of the stressful of the week, will hopefully get the win this weekend and enjoy that relief of being part of finals.”
James led the side to its drought breaking 2019 premiership, before rebuilding the list after the pandemic’s interruptions.
Only six players of Waubra’s 2019 Grand Final team remain in the senior team, which also saw Darcy Jenkins elevated alongside Austin Murphy as co-captains in a leadership reshuffle.
“We’ve turned a full list over since our premiership. There are only six players from that team left. To go through three quarters of a rebuild without bottoming out completely is something I’m pretty proud of,” James said,
“To be able to have success and rejuvenate the list has put me in a really good place and really confident.”
The match will serve as a finals dress rehearsal for Learmonth, which cannot drop below seventh.