Woodville-West Torrens to walk Kokoda Trail after 2017 season

WOODVILLE-West Torrens’ decision to walk the Kokoda Trail in October to raise money for charity has personal meaning for Eagles coach Michael Godden ahead of Tuesday’s Anzac Day grand final rematch against Sturt.

Eagles coach Michael Godden and Jared Petrenko prepare for the club’s Kokoda Trail in October.

WOODVILLE-West Torrens’ decision to walk the Kokoda Trail in October to raise money for the Little Heroes charity has personal meaning for Eagles coach Michael Godden.

His wife Trish’s grandfather James Miller served in the forces on the Trail in World War II while his great grandfather was in Papua New Guinea when the Japanese invaded.

“Jim was a bit of a hero of mine and I’m excited at the opportunity to walk the Trail,” Godden said.

“As well as raising money for Little Heroes, who the club is a partner with, it is going to be a personal challenge.

“I’ll need to do a fair bit to prepare. With the body I’ve got, it’s probably not going to be too friendly a trip. I’m going to have to lose a fair bit of weight and there is a bit of strength to build up.”

Classy midfielder Jared Petrenko is the only confirmed Eagles player doing the trek, although he is expected to have teammates join the group.

Petrenko will have a key role on Anzac Day when the Eagles take on Sturt at Unley Oval in a rematch of last year’s grand final won by the Double Blues.

Co-captain Patrick Giuffreda has been named for his season debut after being sidelined for the opening two rounds due to calf injury.

He still must negotiate a fitness test today before his return is confirmed.

The Eagles have been impressive in beating Central District and West Adelaide, while the Double Blues have dropped their games against Adelaide and Glenelg,

“We are expecting a fired up Sturt footy club,” Godden said.

“To start the season with a couple of losses is always difficult.

“But they go home to Unley and will have good memories of the grand final, and we don’t.”

The Double Blues, still without the grunt of Aidan Riley and James Battersby in the midfield, have lost Ben Hansen to injury and included Jake Sutcliffe in a 23-man squad.

Sutcliffe will make his league debut for the club if he survives the final cull.

In contrast to last season’s charge to the premiership, the Double Blues have an extensive injury list which includes grand final heroes John Greenslade, Tom Harms and Sam Jonas.

There is free entry for RSL members and current/returned service personnel.