DO not mention the ‘F’ word to Wilston-Grange coach David Martin.
‘F’, as in finals, remains off-limits as the Gorillas head towards what looks like the club’s first taste of play-offs (there, Marto, we didn’t say finals) for many years.
The resurgent Gorillas host Maroochy-Northshore in what looks a very winnable game and where victory would keep the club in, at worst, a share of second spot but slightly ahead of Western Magpies on percentage.
“If you plan ahead it all turns sour,” said a cautious Martin of what lies ahead of his side, which looks a good thing for a finals double-chance with their favourable draw.
“Sure I’d love to finish top, I’d take it, but I don’t want to be talking finals.
“We still have to play Surfers Paradise twice – and they’re a good running side – and this weekend we’ve got Maroochy. They kicked 100 points last weekend and 100 points generally wins you a game of football.”
The Gorillas have lost half-back Lee Smith (unavailable), ruckman Jim McMahon (general soreness) and defender Sam Mitchell.
They brought in back-up ruckman Dean Warren, defender Simon Brown and on-baller Rory Molan to fill the breech.
Martin said the Gorillas are still working hard on a couple of grey areas, namely clearances and defensive pressure.
Maroochy, who did so well in their loss away to Palm Beach-Currumbin last round, are looking to carry that momentum into the weekend.
The Roos continue their rotation of under-18s by elevating Damon Chapman and Griffen Douglas and sending Riley Manfield back to the age side. Forward Harley Read returns to the side.
Brothers Caleb and Luke Timmer are also out of the line-up.
Captain David Hulsman said the Roos have taken plenty of heart from their past two outings against Western Magpies and Palm Beach-Currumbin, although not taking the four points hurt.
“What we did against Palm Beach we did against the Maggies the week before,” said Hulsman. “We matched them for patches, but unfortunately other patches let us down.”
