Going down by 125 points isn’t the best way to celebrate 150 first grade games in the Riverina Football League.
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Griffith Swan Jono Gastin notched up the milestone in last week’s big loss to Wagga but as far as Griffith’s season is concerned, it was an unfortunate obstacle on the way to September.
“Losing in my 150th game wasn’t ideal but there’s more important things,” Gastin said.
Things like the Swans preparing to embark on their first finals campaign in 10 years.
Griffith will start that journey on Sunday against a rampaging Collingullie-Glenfield Park at the Ganmain Sportsground in an elimination final.
Gastin will be one of many Swans playing first grade finals for the first time and was glad to be in the unfamiliar position.
“It’s a bit of a strange feeling,” Gastin said.
“We haven't been here [in the finals] before but it’s awesome to be here.
“There was a great feeling on the track last night.
“There’s a bit of nerves floating around but that’s to be expected.”
Swans director of coaching Adrian Pavese has managed to get the best out of his troops all year.
Gastin puts the structures put in place by Pavese and the coaching staff as a major factor in the side’s return to the finals.
“We have a pretty good game plan that everyone can stick to,” Gastin said
“It’s a good style that fits our team well and anyone can jump in and fill a role.”
The loss to Wagga last Saturday was a blow to the Swans preparations for week one of the finals.
Pavese put it down to being “one of those days” and implored the Swans to forget about it.
Gastin said the side had learnt from the loss.
“We have to be ready right from the start,” Gastin said.
“We have to be on from the centre bounce but we also have to have the belief in what we’ve done.
“We’ve worked hard and we deserve to be here.”
The Swans and the Demons will take to the field at 2.15pm at the Ganmain Sportsground.