Any North Wagga player wanting some advice on what to expect come grand final day need to look no further than Luke Walsh.
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The first-year Saint boasts an impeccable grand final record with seven premierships from seven appearances in deciders.
It is a record most would envy and one that will comfort a number of his teammates as the Saints prepare for their first grand final since 2004.
Walsh joined good mate Kirk Hamblin at McPherson Oval this season after a stellar career at Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.
It is a move he does not regret.
“It’s been good. I’ve loved it,” Walsh said.
“Right from the pre-season, I’ve got along really well with all the boys and have just enjoyed something different.
“It’s freshened me up, I’ve got a bit of motivation back. It’s been something different but it’s been a good season, I’ve enjoyed it. We’ve been lucky enough to win a few games too which makes it much more enjoyable.”
At 31, Walsh is one of the older heads in a young Saints outfit.
While he admits you never get sick of premierships, Walsh revealed his greatest delight in a win on Saturday would be for his younger teammates to experience the ultimate.
“Partially will be because it’s why you play footy, you want to win flags and be successful,” he said.
“But I’d get a lot out of the young fellas, I’ve become really good mates with a lot of them and they haven’t been able to win a grand final yet so I’d get a lot out of seeing them achieve that.
“With where they've come from, not playing anywhere in 2008, having to start again, just for the boys to experience what I know is the best feeling would be pretty special.”
Not only will Walsh be one of just a handful of Saints players bringing premiership experience to Saturday’s decider, he will also have an important role in stopping Marrar.
Walsh will line up at centre-half-back and have the job on either one of Marrar’s two key forwards, Brad Turner or Fred Sleeth.
“I played on Turns out at Marrar and then played on Sleeth in the second semi so I’d say it will be one of those two, it depends on where both line up,” he said.
“We like to have Brayden Skeers down deep, he’s better deep in defence and I’ll be up across the half-back line so it will depend on where they line up.
“Turns has got a good leap and Sleeth is a lot bigger than me so I’m going to have my work cut out for me.”
Walsh said he had tried to become a bit more vocal within the group during finals and also praised Collingullie premiership player Jimmy Morris for his leadership as well.
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