Cowra’s Senior Men are preparing for their grand final clash with a calm but determined approach, as coach Adam Gambrill says the team is focused on execution rather than major changes in the final week of training.
Despite a disrupted schedule with rain last week, the squad remains upbeat and ready for the challenge.
“We were forced to miss training last Wednesday, unfortunately, due to the weather,” Gambrill said.
“So we had a bit of a light run on Sunday, and our usual training session again on Wednesday.”
“Hopefully that should have us fighting fit and ready to go for Saturday.”
Latest Stories
Gambrill said the mental side of the game has been a big focus, with the team deliberately bringing a finals mindset to recent matches to ensure they’re ready for the intensity of the big stage.
“We have tried to, for the last few games, the last couple of the regular season and obviously the major semi-final as well, to bring a finals mentality to all of those games,” Gambrill said.
“Mentally, we’re all in the right space heading into the grand final.”
Rather than reinventing their approach, Gambrill believes sticking to proven processes will be key.
“At this point in time, we’ve sort of done the work, to be truthful,” Gambrill said.
“My opinion always is that the hard work that goes into winning grand finals or making finals is actually done pre-season and then throughout the year.”
“So for us, it’s not necessarily about really working on much.”
“It’s just sticking to the process.”
“We know what works, we know how to get the results, and it’s just going out there and executing,” he said.
With three Cowra teams reaching grand finals this year, the atmosphere around the squad and the wider club has been electric.
“Yeah, it’s fantastic in the team and around the club in general,” Gambrill said.
“Obviously, to have three teams all make a grand final, it’s a huge achievement for the club.”
“It does create a really good vibe and a really good buzz around the place, it’s been fantastic.”
Fitness is generally strong across the squad, but two players remain under a cloud ahead of the final.
“Pretty good, the only thing is Riley McLeish is under an injury cloud,” Gambrill said.
“He injured his knee two weeks ago, so unsure whether he’s going to be available at this point or not.”
“It is very disappointing for us because he’s been one of our best players throughout the year.”
“I’d love to have him fit, but I’m not sure how that’s going to play out.”
The coach is also waiting on news regarding Ed Galea, who was sent off in the major semi-final.
“Ed Galea copped a knock and subsequently a red card in our major semi-final, but we’re kind of hoping that the red card will be downgraded, which would hopefully allow him to play in the grand final,” Gambrill said.
“So there are obviously a couple of things we need to hopefully fall our way.”
“Regardless, I’m pretty confident that whatever team we put out there, if we execute and stick to what we know, we’ve got enough firepower to hopefully get the job done.”
Despite the uncertainty, confidence remains high that the Senior Men have what it takes to deliver on the big stage.
With processes in place, a positive team mentality, and strong support around the club, Cowra will head into the grand final with belief that they can finish the job.
