Surprised Daniel Perri out to make most of chance

After serving a two-week suspension, Perri replaces Will Oliver at the top of the Kooringal Colts batting order as they look to get the better of South Wagga for the first time this season in Sunday's grand final.

Perri admitted he was surprised when the decision was made but now he can't wait for the opportunity.

"I'm very lucky to be selected," Perri said.

"I was genuinely surprised when the guys came to me and said they were going to select me.

"After a few weeks on the sidelines and when you're going so well you don't want to change what is going well so I was genuinely surprised.

"All week I was thinking I might not be playing this weekend but it was one of those situations where they have to try to pick the best side and somehow it's worked out well.

"Unfortunately someone has to miss out but Will is still part of it and that's the biggest thing."

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The 29-year-old knows what is it like to be in Oliver's boots.

He was dropped for a grand final with former club Dederang.

They went on to win the title and now Perri is looking to win one in his own right.

"I've played in a few grand finals and actually found himself in Will's spot a few years ago back at home with Dederang," he said.

"I'd played the full season there and unfortunately didn't make many runs in the prelim final and missed out.

"I can certainly understand how he feels as it is tough.

"We won that year and I've played in a few losing ones so I'm looking to get one in my own right."

Colts captain Keenan Hanigan admitted it was a tough call to make.

However he's confident having Perri opening the innings with David Bolton is the right fit for the side.

"It was a tough decision as Will has played for most of the year and Pez (Perri) has been around for most of the year as well," Hanigan said.

"He's coming off a two-week suspension and in the end we wanted a stronger batting line up so we went with Pez.

"It wasn't an easy decision but he (Perri) is a genuine opening batter and he complements Dave well at the top of the order.

"Dave is quite attacking while Pez digs in and fights it out for us and has done that role for us for probably the last three years and has done it fairly well.

"He's also a good little fielder, will give it his all in the field and won't let us down no matter what task we give him to do."

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Perri is also determined to make up for lost time.

He hasn't played since round 14 and the suspension is something he's learned from.

"I did the wrong thing and while it is something that happens in cricket every week me being me and as passionate as I am I got too close to the line and unfortunately had to sit on the sidelines because of it," Perri said. "I've definitely learnt my lesson.

"Wagga Cricket does these things for good reason.

"It is part of the game you want to stamp out - sledging and send offs - but I take full responsibility for it and move onwards and upwards.

"It come at a crucial time of the year, the suspension, and it makes you sit back and say you've got to be right on top of it and hold ourselves to a higher standard."

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