Melbourne Demons players are focussed and quietly confident ahead of this weekend’s AFL showpiece event at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday against the Western Bulldogs, according to defensive coach Troy Chaplin.
Speaking to Jason Regan on the Flow FM Friday Sports Show, Chaplin expressed his optimism for the Demons’ chances heading into Saturday’s big dance, noting his club’s solid preparation in the lead-up to the Grand Final in Perth.
“It has been a really interesting build-up, I think the good thing is we won our prelim and we’ve put ourselves in this position...as we’ve got closer to the game, especially yesterday being able to train at Optus Stadium, that started an incentive for a few of the boys and we had a really good hit-out”, Chaplin said.
When quizzed on some of the Demons star players’ fitness levels, Chaplin brushed aside any murmurs suggesting Melbourne could head into the clash sweating on any injury concerns.
“We’ve got a full bill of health which is fantastic both from a playing perspective and a coaching perspective”, claimed Chaplin.
The 2007 AFL Grand Finalist also acknowledged the superb efforts of Wudinna boy and emerging Dees superstar, Harrison Petty.
“As soon as Harrison came through the doors we liked what we saw, he’s very competitive and very humble as well – that’s what Harrison’s been able to do for us this year,” said Chaplin
“We’ve known the quality of player that we’ve had but he’s just needed an opportunity.”
Chaplin went on to specify some of the most notable traits of the 21-year old Petty.
“He’s competitive; he’s strong in the contest and probably one of his biggest strengths...that’s his marking and his ability to win the ball back,” Chaplin claimed.
The Demons and the Western Bulldogs will lock horns at Optus Stadium in Perth this Saturday evening.
Bounce down for the historic encounter is at 7.15 pm EST.
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