Springbank out to make amends for grand final loss last year

Springbank is confident it can go one step better in this weekend’s Central Highlands league decider with a quartet of summer recruits helping the Tigers back to the big stage.

Springbank are not using last year’s grand final loss to Gordon as motivation to go one better this year with the pair to again do battle.

Instead, it’s using the loss as a valuable lesson, which will hopefully return the team to the top of the Central Highlands league.

For the second straight year the Tigers and the Eagles have battled for supremacy after Gordon ended a 34-year drought with a 65-point win last year.

The Tigers were no match for the Eagles but a year is a long time in football.

This year, Springbank has been the team to beat, winning 15 straight matches and losing just once this year to Carngham Linton.

Springbank president Jason Carey admits the team peaked too early in 2022.

“I don’t think we were the second best team (behind Gordon),” he said.

“Hepburn were probably the better side throughout the year but somehow we managed to pull it off (a preliminary win).

“When we got to the grand final last year it was like we played the grand final the week before.

“We were comprehensively beaten.”

Carey said the day highlighted the need for the team to add speed around the contest.

The team signed North Ballarat trio Fletcher Toose, James Curran, Jarrod Curren and added Connor Rowan from Dunnstown.

“They have given us a lot more of the leg speed we’ve been chasing,” Carey said.

“We’ve also had a cherry run with no injuries, and we have a full team to go.

“Hopefully we can get one back on them last year.”

Springbank’s James Thompson in action during last year’s grand final. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Springbank also have Todd Finco and James Thompson in the midfield with the pair enjoying superb seasons.

Finco recently finished runner-up in the league best and fairest.

Carey is well aware Gordon will be a tough proposition.

“Gordon won’t be a roll over,” he said.

“I think no doubt the coaching (staff) will consider someone on Adam Toohey (their leading goalscorer and captain).

“Mick Nolan is also a player who gives them plenty of drive through the half back line.

“We’ll certainly put some homework into him.

“But we finished on top, we deserve to finish on top and we are a good side.”

Carey said the conditions for the grand final, which would be nice and sunny, will suit their game as well as the ground at Mars Stadium.

He expected a free flowing high scoring game as both teams love to attack.

The game starts at 2.45pm.