Stay consistent, stay balanced, and don’t play the game before Saturday.
That was Western Bulldogs assistant coach Joel Corey’s advice to his young charges as they prepare to face the Sydney Swans in Saturday’s Grand Final at the MCG.
Corey, a three-time premiership player with Geelong has said that the coaching group have been a ‘resource’ for players playing their first grand final this week, but has told media at Whitten Oval this morning that the group is in a good head space going into the weekend.
“Every group is different and this group is unique, Corey said.
“They seemed to have enjoyed the week, and they’ve enjoyed the wins leading up to this point but they're as focused as any group that I’ve been involved with and they’re looking forward to Saturday.”
Corey said that the side’s strength is their belief in each other.
“They have a fantastic spirit this side," he said.
“You’ve heard players talk about how much they enjoy each other’s company which is really important when you go out on the field and you really trust each other.”
The Swans will go into the weekend’s decider in good form after disposing of premiership hopefuls Adelaide and Geelong in successive weeks, but Corey said he is confident the Dogs will hit the Swans head one once the ball is bounced at 2:30pm.
“They’re a super side and they’ve been playing fantastic football throughout the four quarters but I back our boys to meet them head on and play some good football.”