State League 2 Grand Final Preview

The Tigers finished up Premiers for 2009 with 47 points equal to that of Gladesville Ryde Magic however they had a superior goal difference which got them across the line after 22 rounds of football.
Camden won its place in the 2009 State League 2 Grand Final after an epic 3-2 victory on penalty shootouts against Gladesville Ryde Magic while the Wanderers did it the hard way when a loss in the Elimination Finals against the Magic 3-2 spurred the team on in the Semi-Finals after they defeated the Hurstville City Minotaurs 3-1 before exacting revenge on the Magic in a 2-1 victory in the Preliminary Final.
The teams have met twice this season and the Wanderers have held a slight advantage over the Tigers after they drew 1-1 in round 2 of the competition before defeating them 1-0.
However form counts for nothing when the big one hits Jensen Oval on Sunday.
Tigers head convenor Peter Caldicott is relishing the opportunity of playing a Grand Final which will hopefully go Camden?s way on the day.
?It is a huge day for all the players involved but certainly a game we cannot wait for.
?The boys will not be taking Colo Colo lightly, they were fantastic against the Magic to get to the Final and I know all the players need to be on the ball to record that result of lifting the trophy.?
The squad has been deemed fit, healthy and raring to go with Caldicott stating that it will be up to each player in making this Grand Final theirs.
?Each player needs to give 110% which they have done all year round and battling till the very last second of the match in taking the Championship out.?
Player/Manager Ben Green has been in terrific form for the Tigers this season so he will certainly be one to look out for as well as goalscoring machine Grant Mackechnie who has played a leading role in the Tigers? good fortunes for 2009. Also keeper Matthew Johnston has been in terrific form underneath the sticks for the club this season and will need to be at his best in thwarting a very creative Wanderers attack.
Camden will be in full force in wanting to diminish the memories of 2008 where they lost out to Balmain SC in penalty shoot-outs where they were downed 5-4 in the Grand Final but the team understand that penalties could potentially be an option in 2009 once more.
Meanwhile for Colo Colo, Argentine born head coach Walter Alvarez was very philosophical about his talented side?s chances but stated to Football NSW the hard work the team put through in reaching the Grand Final.
?We worked very hard for the last ten months in getting to where we are today.
?Ever since I took over the side I wanted to instil the South American way of playing football; close control, good skill and movement, and I really believe we have achieved this as we made our fans very happy.?
With one thing on all the players minds, Alvarez pushed the notion of how much the players wanted to win this Grand Final.
?It?s up to the players on the day and I know each and every one of our squad members will be up to the task.
?Camden will be a very tough match for us and I know the team will need to be on their feet always to get the desired result.?
The likes of players such as Luis Escalante, keeper Oscar Galindo and attacking star Elias Mauricio Navarrete will be the threats for the Wanderers outfit.
-By Mark Stavroulakis