STAWELL has its sights on breaking a premiership drought when it takes on Horsham on its home turf on Saturday.
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The Warriors have knocked off Horsham in two of their three meetings this season, including a five-point win to earn a grand final berth two weeks ago.
Coach Ian Brilliant said it was time for his boys to shine on the big stage against a tough opponent.
“We’ve just got to work hard, grind away and make every post a winner,” he said.
“They might play football for the rest of their lives and never get another chance, so they’ve just got to take it while they can.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve won an under-17s grand final, so the dream’s there and hopefully they’ll stand up and be counted.”
But first the Warriors will have to overcome the Demons, who claimed the minor premiership.
“They might play football for the rest of their lives and never get another chance, so they’ve just got to take it while they can."
- Stawell coach Ian Brilliant
Demons coach Darren Patterson said he expected a close finish to the season.
“It’s a running game these days and more than anything on grand final day, what comes out is the boys’ natural ability and will to win,” he said.
“It is really down to who wants it the most.
“The boys will all be keen to get in and have a win and I think it will be a ripping game of footy.”
Both coaches said developing players for senior football was a focus.
Junior players from both sides have earnt senior call-ups this season.
Warriors Sam Williams, Jarrod Illig and Ben Taylor and Demons Jack Mentha, Baillie Batchelor and Brandon Patterson have all played senior footy in 2014.
League best and fairest Jack Taurau will be a key for the Warriors in defence.
At the other end of the ground, both Aidan Jensz, 51 goals, and Pilo Dagiaro, 17 goals in five games, have proven dangerous.
The Demons will look for centre Jack Merlo to lead the way.
Patterson said Riley Stacey and Trent Woolman, 41 goals, had been consistent contributors throughout the season.