TALENTED midfielder Steve Jolliffe credits a return to Collingullie-Glenfield Park mid-season for bringing the enjoyment back to his football.
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Jolliffe made the difficult decision in June to leave Ovens and Murray League club Wodonga Raiders and return home to Collingullie.
It is a decision the 25-year-old did not make lightly but one that has paid off as he prepares for Saturday’s grand final against Leeton-Whitton.
“The reason I went back was that I’d had enough of football,” Jolliffe said.
“I struggled early on getting used to playing with a new group and the different type of play but I’m right now and we’re through to a grand final so there is plenty of excitement there, which is good.”
Jolliffe said the more relaxed approach at Collingullie-GP was the key to him enjoying his football again.
“The club is a really big family club,” he said.
“That’s the main thing and it was the same at Queanbeyan, it’s one big family club.
“It’s obviously my home club, all my family are there and I pretty well know everyone.
“Everyone are mates and support each other. Everyone gets along really well, everyone has a beer together after the game and relaxes.
“I can’t thank Gullie enough for having me back and all that they have done for me.”
Jolliffe is already a two-time premiership player at Collingullie, and looking to make it three.
He also won a flag at Queanbeyan in 2012, alongside Toby Conroy and Neil Irwin, who will be rivals on Saturday.
Leeton-Whitton have beaten the Demons twice this year, in their two most recent meetings.
Jolliffe is confident Collingullie-GP can square the ledger but expects a tight tussle.
“It’s pretty much a 50-50 game really isn’t it with two teams going at it,” he said.
“I know we have a very talented team, it’s just a matter of coming through when it counts on the weekend and I think we will, if we do what I know we can do.
“Both teams have got really talented players so it should be a cracking game.
“It’s meant to be really hot, too, so in the end it might come down to fitness and the team who has got the most run on the day.”
Jolliffe also believes goalkicking will play a part.
“It’s one thing that really hurt us when we played them last time, I know I kicked four behinds that could have been goals,” he said.
“It will be whatever team takes their chances.
“If we can take our chances in front of goal, we need to kick the crucial goals, but if we can, we’re a big chance.”