TAKING the direct path to the Riverina League grand final a fortnight ago has only heightened the buzz around ending the competition’s longest drought, according to Leeton-Whitton coach Jade Hodge.
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Leeton-Whitton will be out to end a 39-year premiership drought when they take on Collingullie-Glenfield Park at Narrandera Sportsground on Saturday.
Hodge said the entire community is abuzz with excitement.
“It’s pretty exciting. It’s obviously been a long time between drinks,” Hodge said.
“It’s a massive football town and a massive following that we have has everyone excited that’s for sure.”
Hodge believes a 27-point win over Collingullie-GP in the second semi-final has only added to the confidence and buzz surrounding the grand final.
“Definitely. I think it’s changes the mindset of a lot of people but within the core group itself, it hasn’t at all,” he said.
“It’s a massive, massive step but it means nothing unless we win this weekend and bring it.
“Yes it’s nice to get there, but we have a massive understanding amongst the group that we’ve still got a lot of work to do and the hard work has only just begun.”
Hodge said there is no associated pressure with ending the drought.
“I don’t think so. There’s definitely no pressure from the outside, or we don’t feel it, there’s just that excitement around town, everyone’s been fantastic,” he said.
The Crows went within four points of ending the drought last year, when going down to Wagga Tigers in the decider. He said that only fuels the desire within the group.
“I’ve got no doubt within each individual that played in that grand final that there would be a burning desire to come out and make amends,” he said.
Last year, the Crows were known as old and slow. Hodge knew that and is happy with how this year’s team has moulded together after a number of changes were made over the off-season.
“At the end of last year we sat down and we understood how teams were trying to break us down and that was to get us on the outside,” he said.
“So we’ve had no secrets about that’s where we have to improve and we’re just lucky that we’ve got so many good juniors coming through and the four or five that have come up from the under 17s last year haven’t missed a beat, they have been fantastic.
“The top four or five, every side’s got those. It’s the bottom four or five each week that’s really important and ours has been fantastic. Our young kids that have come through have really rejuvenated the group and haven’t missed a beat all year.”
