Farrer League
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
FAMILY will always come first for Marrar co-assistant coach Shane Macintosh.
The 29-year-old is currently performing a juggling act as he attempts to help the Bombers to a Farrer League premiership, and prepare for the imminent birth of his first child.
His wife Amanda's due date is fast approaching.
If it comes down to making a decision between playing football and witnessing the birth, Macintosh made his mind up long ago.
"There was never a question over which one I would choose," he said.
"The baby will always take preference over football.
"There wasn't even a second when it crossed my mind to miss the birth."
Macintosh's decision was made easier by the help of his younger brother, Chase.
Chase, 27, says he told Shane not to miss the birth of his child for anything.
"We don't need him to play anyway," Chase laughed.
"I've told him 100 per cent to go with Amanda if it comes down to that."
The Macintosh brothers haven't missed a game for Marrar this season.
Playing a combined 34 games for the year, they have kicked a collective 66 goals and been named in the team's best players on nine occasions between them.
Pending Amanda's condition, Shane and Chase plan to line up on Maher Oval on Sunday when the Bombers take on Coleambally in the first semi final.
Marrar kept its season alive by sneaking over the line to beat North Wagga in the elimination final at the weekend.
The Blues rolled the Bombers last time the two clubs met but Shane says confidence in the Marrar camp is high.
"We've beaten Coly twice from three games this year so hopefully we've got their measure," Shane said.
"East Wagga and Temora appear to be the dominant sides in the comp at the moment but if we can make it past Coly this week we'll give ourselves every chance of beating those two teams."
Chase, a key forward at Marrar, believes the Bombers have what it takes to go all the way.
"It's going to be hard if we do get past this week but there's a lot of belief among the boys that we can do it, for sure," Chase said.
The Macintosh brothers have no shortage of finals experience.
Chase has played in a grand final for six consecutive years - two at Merimbula, two at Marrar and two at Tumbarumba - winning four premierships in that time.
Shane coached Tumbarumba to an Upper Murray flag last year and has won two grand finals in a row.