Sport
15 September, 2023
Bulls to tackle Lions in premier men’s grand final
MAREEBA’s best footballers are ready and raring to charge into Saturday’s Far North and Gulf Football premier men’s grand final.
Throughout the season, the Bulls have played consistently high quality football, enabling them to accrue points that landed them in second place on the ladder, but it was their game against number one team Edge Hill in mid-August that has boosted their confidence going into Saturday’s decider.
Securing their spot in the grand final for the first time since 2019, the team is ready to take on the Leichhardt Lions at Endeavour Park in Cairns, while the under-14s will face Edge Hill United in their grand final match.
Club president Mario Ghensi said if he had to pick a player of the season, there would be a new one every game.
He credits both teams on their ability to adapt and sync with each other on the field.
“They’ve all stepped up for each other, and it is hard to pick out any stand-outs,” he said.
“Over the past five weeks, they have really jumped up to the next level and that’s where they need to be if they want to win.
“Personally, I am very happy with them. If we can do it one more time, that’ll be nice.
“Anything can happen now, but so long as it doesn’t get to their head, which can happen because of nerves, and they play their game, they will be good.”
As the season progressed, coach Kane Alderton said he noticed drastic improvements in the overall positivity and mentality of the men’s team and commended them on their ability to step up and pull through.
“We have come a long way from where we were, and, you know, it’s been a long road, but I am proud of the boys and the commitment they have had, especially over the past month, to see us into the grand final,” he said. “There is a mixture of emotions, but we just have to keep them in check.
“I think our biggest focus now is concentrating on us and not worrying too much about our opponent ... we just have to make sure we are ready to focus and bring our all on Saturday.”
Standing amongst the rest, Alderton believes the work of young Jarad Latif and Kalan Prizmic have really stamped their spot in the final.
The Premier Bulls team will play Leichhardt Lions at Endeavour Park at 7.30pm on Saturday, while the Under 14s will battle Edge Hill United at 1.30pm
