Footscray will head into Saturday’s Preliminary Final against Port Melbourne with a huge challenge ahead of them according to midfielder Brent Prismall.
Despite a week’s rest and form on their side, Port Melbourne at North Port Oval is still one of VFL’s greatest challenges and one that the Dogs are primed to overcome.
Prismall is shaping up to play a crucial role in the midfield where both sides have a breadth of talent and depth.
“In finals footy the midfield is where the game will be won or lost – whoever wins the contested ball will be the key. Port has five to six physical players who can run through the midfield,” he said.
While Port Melbourne took control from start to finish against Sandringham in the semi-finals last weekend, the Bulldogs were making the most of their week off.
“It’s been a long year so the break has given us a chance to freshen up and for the AFL boys to train with the VFL boys. Training has been a really good standard and the AFL guys ineligible to play have been popping in to help out and see how the VFL boys are going,” Prismall said.
This time last year the Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate, Williamstown bowed out in the Preliminary final and the players who experienced that defeat, including Prismall, are keen to make amends.
“Everyone as one” is how Prismall described the key differences in preparation as a stand-alone team. “Consistent training at Whitten Oval has been really important. It’s created a level of consistency to play each week and work towards the same game plan.”
The influence of the Dogs’ AFL listed players has been significant in Footscray’s rise up the ladder in the back end of season – winning 13 of their past 14 games including a 36 point win against Port Melbourne in Round 10.
“Our AFL guys have really had a huge impact for us, like Cordy, Campbell and Tutt all playing well which has meant the VFL guys can just focus on playing our roles without putting too much pressure on us,” Prismall said.
Prismall nominated 19-year old defender, Mitch Jensen as the player to watch this Saturday.
The 2013 Calder Cannons Most Improved award winner has captured the attention of many VFL followers – including Prismall who describes him as a “hard little defender who reads the play well.”
VFL Preliminary Final
Footscray v Port Melbourne
2:10pm, Saturday 13 September, 2014
North Port Oval, 525 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne
Tickets: Adults: $15 / Concession: $10 / Kids 12 & under: Free
*Tickets can be purchased on the gate at North Port Oval.
