This Saturday’s Northern Inland Premier League first grade grand final will be the 10th Oxley Vale Attunga has played in a row and it will also mark the end of an era.
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As Mushies attempt to win their fourth straight title, the match will double as a farewell for captain Chris Fenton – who will step down from first grade after this season – and potentially a string of other elder statesmen in the side.
“It’s a swan song for most of us,” Fenton said.
“In all honesty, the reason half of them played on was purely to make it 10 in a row and a chance at winning four in a row. Last year we made history to win three in a row and a fourth would be the icing on the cake.”
While a number of players in the 2017 Mushies outfit were there when the grand final run started, just Fenton and Brendon Fergie have played in all 10, according to the captain.
Fenton said over the years his excitement has never faded but the feeling heading into a big dance has altered.
“The first one was more that nervous excitement and while you still get nerves these days, it’s different,” he said.
“Playing our 10th in a row, there’s a lot more confidence but I’m just happy to be there playing in another one.”
Mushies will take one of the strongest squads they’ve had all year into the grand final.
Coach Tim Coates said the suspended Ryan Searl and injured duo Jacob McGoldrick and Lachlan Browne were missing from the extended squad while some experienced players came through OVA’s last game unscathed.
“We’ve had a couple of handy players come back form injury late in the year,” Coates said.
“It’s been good to have Chris Fenton back playing more full time and Luke Purcell recovering as well.”
Coates said his side wasn’t taking Companions lightly.
“I watched North Companions last week and for 90 minutes Brodie King wasn't around and then he was,” Coates said.
“Brodie is a massive factor for them. He’s scored a bag load of goals and he can only do that with great support from behind.
“They’re driven by some very experienced players in Ben Van Aanholt and Ben Todd.”
Coates said the grand final experience Mushies have built up over the past decade would be beneficial and he expected a close final.
“We’ve got the experience of guys like Benn Genardini, Adam Watson, Brendon Fergie and everyone has played in a grand final before, there’s no first timers,” he said.
“I think it will be a very balanced game.
“I don’t think the coaches will influence the game at all. It’ll be down to the boys on the field.”
The first grade clash will start at 3pm at Scully Park.