Modewarre one step away from BFL history

MODEWARRE has already made history twice in less than a fortnight, but there is one more milestone firmly in its sights — its first Bellarine premiership.

MODEWARRE  has already made history twice in less than a fortnight, but there is one more milestone firmly in its sights — its first Bellarine premiership.

After winning its first Bellarine league grand final berth and a unique best-and-fairest quadrella, the Warriors will seek to make it a historic hat-trick on Saturday when it take to the field.

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Playing coach Josh Finch last week became the first four-time winner of the league’s best-and-fairest award, the Les Ash Medal, having won in 2010, 2012 and 2013. The following day it was business as usual, preparing for a preliminary final against Queenscliff.

“It was very short-lived for me,” Finch said. “Being playing coach the focus was purely on Saturday’s performance and trying to get into the grand final to keep the dream alive.

“There’s been a lot of support and people sending nice messages and what not, but come Thursday by the time we get to training and the boys get around you, the focus is purely on trying to win the prelim and that’s what we were able to achieve.”

History making: Modewarre’s Josh Finch hopes to lead the Warriors to a flag. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Now the Warriors have almost reached the summit, winning through from fourth in a top-five finals structure to the grand final — where dual reigning premier Geelong Amateur awaits.

The Ammos have not lost since Round 4, and belted Queenscliff by 106 points in the second semi-final.

Modewarre’s last premiership was in the Geelong and District league Division 2 in 1994, and it switched to the Bellarine league in 1996.

But the Warriors — whose recent alumni include the Abletts and Carlton’s Ed Curnow — have waited 20 years to make it to a decider.

“It’s unfamiliar territory slightly,” Finch said.

“The boys will hopefully not get overwhelmed by the day and play some good footy like we’ve been playing the past 15-16 weeks.”