EDENHOPE-APSLEY has returned to finals football after missing out last season and will face a tough test against the Swifts in Sunday’s elimination final at Rupanyup.
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The Saints have carried the underdog status for much of the Horsham District league season.
After the club’s future was shrouded in uncertainty with talks of a merger before the season started, the senior football side has rallied behind coach Chris Oliver and delivered the club a memorable season.
Finishing fourth, Oliver said the side had enjoyed flying under the radar throughout the season.
“We play better football when people aren’t expecting us to win and we just go that little bit harder,” he said.
“This weekend I think it is very even and I’m not sure we are underdogs. Being finals we have to be very keen.
“We got into a good patch of form last week so hopefully we can continue that – the spirits are up and about so it’s good. So far we are looking to be at full strength.
“Bart Nolan, who broke his leg, is actually back on the track, but we might not see him this weekend.”
Edenhope-Apsley set up its positive season following a win against the Swifts in round four.
“We had those two big first losses and then beat Natimuk United and the Swifts and we had a good month and came good after that,” Oliver said.
“I’m not taking too much from their loss. We lost to Laharum a few weeks ago and they aren’t playing finals.
“Their run off half-back and in the midfield is their drive. We need to make sure we hold them down well and play to our structures. We don’t want to let them get away too easily.”
The Swifts come into the game having lost three of their last four games, including losses to the top two sides. Despite that, Swifts coach Scott Carey said the losses hadn’t meant a drop in on-field performances.
“The losses haven't come with bad form. We would have liked to take a winning mindset in but that is just how it goes sometimes,” he said.
“There was good enthusiasm at training and everyone is ready to play some finals footy.”
The Swifts are looking good on the injury front and Carey expects a high-pressure game will be vital if his side is to win the contest.
“The pressure needs to be up to finals footy standard and we were able to do that last year,” he said.
“They have a tight knit group that worked hard in attack and defence.
“Having that finals experience definitely helps. It might only be a couple of games but we won’t go in there with a bit of the unknown.”
The two sides met just once in the regular season with the Saints causing an upset at Stawell by beating the Swifts 8.6 (54) to 13.18 (96) in a fiery affair.
