HE’S the reigning league medallist who stepped up when it mattered last week but Dean Pound insists he’s not the star of the Coleambally show this year.
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“Oh, not really – I don’t think my season’s been anywhere near my form last year,” Pound said, ahead of the Blues’ sudden-death semi-final against North Wagga on Sunday.
“I’ve struggled with injuries a bit this year and I’m just trying to help the boys out, not starring in any games, just doing my bit.”
Coleambally’s fortunes rose and fell with their ruckman last season, crashing out of the finals with consecutive losses after Pound suffered a hamstring injury.
With the emergence of Brendan Hardy to play in the ruck this year, Pound’s enjoyed playing forward as he managed shin and hamstring injuries.
“I’ve been slotting a few lately but I wouldn’t mind slotting a few more,” he said.
But Coleambally are building team performances on belief and their back six.
“Our backline held up really well (last week against Temora),” said Pound.
“They kept us in the game and gave us a shot at it.”
Coach Mitch Carroll said consistency has helped.
“We’ve had the back six set and they’re gelling really well together.
“They’ve been really strong the last six weeks or so, since we turned that corner.”
Carroll said Coleambally are riding a wave of excitement into the second week of the finals, with plenty of onlookers at training adding to the theatre.
“We’re running on a bit of confidence,” he said.
“Last year’s side was probably a better side, but this year it’s everyone just doing their part… there are no stars, and everyone’s just chipping away and playing for each other.”
Still, Carroll said Pound might be underselling himself – given he won the club’s best and fairest again.
And in Simon Mackie the Blues have another big-game player who can roll through the ruck, or kick an inspirational goal, as he did against Temora.
“It was a great goal… he can kick some freakish goals,” Pound said. “He’s got all the ability.”