SFNL: Port Melbourne Colts captain Justin Taylor doubts elimination final’s will take a toll

Despite already playing two do-or-die finals, Port Melbourne Colts skipper Justin Taylor explains why his side remains mentally fresh. See why.

Port Melbourne ColtsÕ Justin Taylor during the SFNL Port Melbourne Colts v St Paul's McKinnon football match in Port Melbourne, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Port Melbourne Colts captain Justin Taylor is confident the impact of two elimination finals won’t derail his outfit as they’ve been in do-or-die mode for six weeks.

After losing to Cranbourne in round 14, the Colts fell out of the top five and had to win each of their remaining three home-and-away matches to secure a finals berth.

Once making the Southern league Division 1 finals, the Colts were – by many – expected to fizzle out and be exposed on the wide wings of Linston St.

But these Colts keep defying the odds.

This week they take on a methodical Cheltenham side, fresh off its first loss since Good Friday.

They’ll go in underdogs yet again.

Playing-coach Josh Caddy. Picture: George Sal

But odds meaning nothing for Taylor and his Colts, who have embraced doubt since going down to the grand-final bound Cranbourne and have “zoned in” since.

“We’ve been playing elimination finals for about six weeks,” he said.

“We’ve been zoned in from when we lost to Cranbourne, we knew we couldn’t lose from then on.

“In terms of our mindset, it doesn’t change this week, we’ve been elimination-final mode for six weeks now and it’s just another one on the weekend.

“There’s definitely belief – moment by moment, we’re taking it.

“The belief and excitement around the club at the moment is like nothing I have seen in the time I have been there.

“We’re pumped to get there Saturday and have a crack at another good side.”

Justin Taylor inspires his group. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Last Sunday’s neat 15.9 (99) to 11.10 (76) win over Dingley was the pinnacle of their season, according to Taylor, as trust within begins to grow.

“That’s probably the best game we have played team wise this year, against Dingley, in two years,” he said.”

“We usually have five or six carrying the load but it was evenly based.

“Young kids that came in – and have only played eight or nine senior games – stood up.

“Louis Corless, Jordy Maloney… these blokes down back have been reliable and we have been able to put a lot of trust in them.”