STAR Coolamon recruit Chris Ladhams believes the Hoppers possess the talent to go all the way this finals series.
The Hoppers will have to defy history when they embark on their finals campaign, that starts Sunday against Collingullie-Glenfield Park at Robertson Oval.
Narrandera, in 2012, are the only team in the history of the league to have come from the elimination final to go on to win the premiership.
History may be against the Hoppers but Ladham is a believer.
“The talent is there, I think we can beat anyone in the competition,” Ladhams said.
“At the start of the year we were sitting on top, it’s just our consistency during the year that has cost us a top three finish.
“We’re playing in an elimination final this week, we’ve got to deal with that and come out with all guns blazing.”
Ladhams, a former Adelaide Crows player, has lived up to the hype surrounding his signing with 53 goals from 10 appearances.
An experienced footballer, Ladhams believes there is one ingredient that is the key to the Hoppers game and must be produced each week until their campaign ends.
“People talk about game style but I know when we’re playing well, our intensity is the key,” he said.
“It’s our tackling pressure and attack on the ball, but if our intensity is not up there then we’re probably not going to win.
“I know if our KPIs are up, I see a lot more football.”
Ladhams, 34, travels from Adelaide to line up with Coolamon, flying from Adelaide to either Melbourne or Sydney, then onto Wagga.
He explained flights is something he is used to, from his time in the AFL, and has loved every minute of playing with Coolamon.
“I love the club and I’ve said to the boys, if it was only an hour or two up the road, I would be playing here for years,” he said.
“I’ve been surprised, the quality of the players in the league is very good. The kids as well, not just at Coolamon, have got some talent about them.
“I feel it’s a really strong, quality league and it’s been great to be apart of.”
Coolamon coach Matt Hard said Ladhams has been great for the club.
“He’s a champion bloke, I can’t speak highly enough of him and his contribution to our footy club,” Hard said.
