MARONG is treading a familiar path as it readies for a must-win preliminary final against Inglewood at Calivil on Saturday.
For the second season in a row, the Panthers topped the ladder but lost their first final, this time to Bridgewater.
In 2024 they got revenge against Pyramid Hill in the grand final and this year first need to overcome a surging Inglewood team that is full of confidence and feels like it has nothing to lose after finishing fifth on the ladder.
The Woodies are now deeper into the finals than they have been for more than 20 years, but they face a Marong side oozing with finals experience.
Searching for their fourth Loddon Valley flag in a row, the Panthers will be wary of a young side running on adrenaline and enthusiasm.
Does Marong still have the fierce desire to win another premiership or has sustained success bred complacency or a lack of passion?
Co-coach Kain Robins said despite two wins over the Woodies this season – by seven points in the opening round and 27 points in round 10 – the Panthers were taking nothing for granted.
Inglewood is on a seven-game winning streak, and Robins was impressed by what he saw against Pyramid Hill on Sunday, noting that nothing will come easily against the Woodies.
Coach Fergus Payne said Inglewood’s players would do a lot of recovery work this week “and make sure we are all on the same page”.
Both teams have potent forward lines, with four Woodies players and three from Marong in the competition’s top 20 goalkickers.
In particular, Robins’ strength and accurate kicking will test whoever gets the job on him, although at 41, and coming off a seven-goal haul against Bridgewater, the Panther legend admits recovery after a match doesn’t come easily.
Ruck contests will be critical, with Marong’s Michael Bradbury, who is equally adept as a tall forward, and Matt Willox up against the indefatigable Tom Kennedy.
Midfield groups are led by the second and third placegetters in the competition best-and-fairest, Marong’s Jimmy Gadsden and Inglewood’s Bregon Cotchett respectively.
It promises to be a classic, with experienced hard-nuts up against youthful verve, with Bridgewater looking on hoping for a torrid affair in cold and possibly rainy conditions.
- GARY WALSH