Tara Murray
Every grand final is special, but for the Western Crusaders this Gridiron Victoria Vic Bowl is an extra special one.
The Crusaders on Saturday qualified for their sixth straight grand final with a win against the Rangers.
The Crusaders get the week off with the win and even more important they get to play a home grand final for the first time, with the Vic Bowl to be held at Henry Turner Reserve.
Crusaders’ Tyson Garnham said everyone at the club was looking forward to the chance to play in the biggest game of the year at home.
“It is really good and really special to be playing at home,” he said. “This is the first one and hopefully we can do what we’ve done the last few years at home.
“Our club rooms have been upgraded to do it, our facilities weren’t up to scratch in the past to volunteer to host it.
“It makes it a little bit extra special.”
The Crusaders continue to be the team to beat as they not only reached a sixth straight grand final but looked to win it for a sixth straight year.
Garnham said they had been tested at times this season, but had been able to come through those challenges.
“We have had a couple of tough games this year,” he said. “We’ve played quite well this year.”
The Crusaders got off to a strong start in the semi final against the Rangers on Saturday.
Garnham said the game was over at the first break, with the Rangers taking their foot off the pedal after the break.
“We’ve built some confidence,” he said. “There’s a good chance we will see them in the grand final in a couple of weeks.
“We got off to a good start and they pretty much gave up after the first quarter. We made some rotations and a lot of new guys got on which is special for them.
“It was a really good game and we were able to rest some guys who were coming off injuries, it worked out well.”
The Crusaders again had two teams this season as they continue to give new players an opportunity.
The second side didn’t make finals. Unlike in previous seasons, the senior team is limited to 40 players for the finals, so those who were in the second side don’t get an opportunity to be part of finals
Garnham said it was disappointing for those guys to miss out and hopes the rule changes back.
For the Crusaders, grand final day could be a big one with three teams in action.
The under-14s have also won through to the decider while the under-17s will play in finals this weekend for their chance to play in a grand final.
Garnham said it would be massive for the club if all three made it through.
