St Mary’s prepare for operation Larson on the eve of the Premier League’s second semi-final

THE St Mary’s No.6 jumper will be the main focus for 22 players wearing green and gold jumpers in Saturday night’s Premier League second semi-final

St Mary’s Jarrad Waite tries to grab the football in a Round 3 match against the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: KATRINA BRIDGEFORD.

THE St Mary’s No.6 jumper will be the main focus for 22 players wearing green and gold jumpers in Saturday night’s Premier League second semi-final.

The grand final qualifier against the in-form Nightcliff will be full of emotion after big marking forward Leroy Larson was deregistered for a second time this week.

The resultant life ban for the Saints’ No.6 for making what was deemed by the tribunal to be a racist remark against Tiwi Austin Wonaeamirri has opened up a Pandora’s box on what was actually said during their on-field exchange.

But while the arguments go back and forward, the players are determined to repeat their Round 7 win over the Tigers and complete the big jump from wooden spooner to grand finalists in one season.

Michael McLean’s Southern Districts were the last club to do it in 2007, going on to beat Waratah in the grand final.

Joint Saints skipper Shannon Rioli said the players wanted to win as part of their support for Larson in what was a tough time for him and his family.

“We put in a good performance last week for Leroy after he was visibly upset before the game, so we know what he’s going through right now,’’ Rioli said.

“If he gets some joy out of watching us win a big game of footy, that’s one little thing we can do to get around him and support him.’’

Rioli said playing in a grand final qualifier was exciting for the group and a big reward for the players who went through a tough time last year.

“Chopper (coach Anthony Vallejo) has worked hard to make sure he had the right support and everything was in place on the field,’’ he added.

“Luckily he’s had a pretty good run with injuries. After Christmas last year we only had a couple of Thunder blokes available, so to be able to get our better players on the park more often has probably been the difference between the two seasons.’’

AFL pair Jarrad Waite and Jackson Paine are expected to return to the Saints forward line after missing the qualifying win over the Tiwi Bombers.