All a blur for Josh as the Francou family prepares to farewell Prospect
JOSH Francou's reign as Roosters coach will end on Sunday but he hasn't had time to reflect on that or think about his move to Sydney.
JOSH Francou's reign as North Adelaide coach will end on Sunday but he hasn't had time to reflect on that or think about his impending move to Sydney.
Like most North supporters, the past month has been somewhat of a blur as Francou's side went from five straight losses to three straight wins and into the grand final against Norwood.
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"I must admit I haven't had a chance to think of it as my last game because I've been so focused on the grand final," Francou said.
"It's a great opportunity for our club and a great reward for the players.
"I guess from my point of view I didn't see ourselves as the fifth best side in the competition. "That's not being arrogant but it wasn't a reflection of how we were going.
"I had a lot of confidence to find that spark again and now we're in with a chance."
Francou, who has been coach of North Adelaide since 2011, announced on the eve of this year's finals series that he was heading to AFL club Sydney as its development manager next year.
He starts work with the Swans on November 11 and will live with his wife Jo's grandmother before the rest of his family joins him in the Harbour City after Christmas.
"When you're taking three kids and a dog and they're starting a new school I suppose it is a big move but our kids are pretty resilient," he said.
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But for now that's the furthest thing on his mind as he plots how the Roosters can bring down Norwood at AAMI Stadium on Sunday, which is cause for great excitement at home.
His sons William, 9, Oliver, 7, and Ben, 6, are all "red hot North supporters" who go to the games with Jo.
Josh coaches William's under-9s team at Walkerville where Oliver also plays, while Ben will lace up the boots next season in Sydney.
"Ben is a bit oblivious to it all, Oliver is getting into it a bit and William is really excited," Francou said.
Francou said he was as excited about Sunday's grand final as any moment during his 156-game AFL career.
"It's huge," he said.
"Obviously I haven't been to a grand final as a coach, as a player I was involved in a couple of night premierships with Port and I didn't play but was involved with Port Adelaide in 2004 which was a terrific experience.
"But when I get a quiet time to think about this weekend I'm definitely excited, no question at all."
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