It is fantastic that two of our sides are into grand finals this week. Whether you are playing or not playing, GF time is always a fun time of year. For those who are playing, the GF lead-up can be a bit of a ‘trap for young players’. So, here’s a bit of a taste of what to expect…

Tough calls – Unfortunately, there is usually a hard luck story or two on the Thursday night before the big match. 11 places to fill, yet 12 or 13 very capable guys who deserve a place. Inevitably, some players have to miss out. In years past, we’ve seen some very good players named 12th man. Some have grasped the opportunity, while others have let it go. If you ask most guys though, it’s a true honour to be named in the 12. You just never know what may happen - whether it be as simple as running the drinks to the bowlers at fine leg, helping with the warm-up, or more importantly - coming onto the field to take a match winning catch in the dieing overs to win the match. Whatever the cause, a good 12th man is worth his weight in gold to the side. If you are given the opportunity, sure you may be disappointed at missing out on the 11, but grasp it with both hands. You are an essential member of the team.

Training – There is an interesting quandary about training in the lead up to the GF. Do I go my hardest in the nets, or do I run around at 80% and save a bit in the tank for Saturday? If you are on the fringe of selection, you will no doubt be inclined to train your hardest during the week to put your best foot forward in front of the selectors. Often you will be thinking to yourself – Did they see that cover drive I just creamed in the nets? or “I hope they didn’t see that sitter I just put down?” Whatever the case, your skipper will outline what his expectations are for the week. Best to listen hard and follow the skipper’s instructions.

’Performing’ the night before - Similar to the training quandary is the ‘performance quandary’… Do I get one away or not!!? Absurdly, former Test Cricket Coach Garry Kirsten was heard to advocate to his players that they needed to ‘exercise the option’ a little more regularly to improve their cricket. As this is about cricket, and not a late night relationship counselling service – we’ll leave those decisions in your court!

Supporters - There will be “oodles” of support at the Club on Thursday night, and of course at the ground on Saturday. Given that the dogs usually outnumber the supporters at grounds throughout the season, this can take a bit of getting used to. Some guys relish in it (the name M Lockwood comes to mind!) while others ‘pack their dacks’ and spend more time thinking about the crowd (including heckles from the opposition). Best to remember though why you are there – to play cricket and help your team win a GF. Block out the distractions, insults, and pats on the back – there will be plenty of time for that at 6pm on Saturday!

Routine – Given that Thursday nights generally consist of Snags, Pizza, Pies, or some ‘dirty bird’ from KFC, why change it up and start eating salad come grand final time!? You don’t make friends with salad at the best of times (unless you are Greg Arvidsson) – so keep it real!!

Nerves – To put it simply: ‘Bog roll’ and ‘air freshener’ are your best friends on the day of the match! Don’t be fooled though at playing the GF in your head before you run out . Tune out and keep busy in the lead-up to the big day.

Celebrations and commiserations - For the rest of your life, you will remember the highs and lows of the match itself, but also the post game festivities. Win lose or draw, enjoy it with your mates. You make great, life-long mates with the guys you play in grand finals with. These opportunities do not come around too often.

On Saturday we have a tremendous advantage in that we have plenty of experienced heads to lead the ship, guys who have lived the hi’s and low’s of grand finals past. The likes of Foley, Warner, Lockwood, Arvidsson, Kallio, and Murphy, Yeo and co. can testify all of the above experiences (and many more) in the lead up to the big one. Couple this experience, with the energy and exuberance of some of our young guns, and we have two excellent sides ready to take the park on Saturday.

So, best of luck to the boys. Enjoy the lead-up to the big day. Everyone will be behind you, and win, lose or draw - we’ll be there to share a beer with you come 6pm!

For the rest of you, stay tuned for match previews and the teams later this week.