THE FIRST grade Sea Eagles have slipped into unfamiliar territory going into Saturday’s elimination final after strolling confidently into the qualifying final last year.
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The side isn’t however phased by the task, having come off a solid 40-point win in the final round of the regular competition.
Player/coach Troy Grace said the side is in a “good place”.
“The last few weeks everyone has been enjoying their footy, so we’re ready to knuckle down for the semis,” Troy told the Guardian.
“We are finally fielding our strongest side of the year this weekend, with everyone, apart from myself, available for selection so we’ll be giving it a good crack.”
He said that having the support of both the reggies and 18s was a major boost for the side and the club.
“I’ve been in sides in the past where you’re the only team left and it makes training a bit empty - so it’s great having all three still training and spurring each other on,” he said.
Injuries have taken their toll on the first graders this year, but it’s all part-and-parcel of the game.
“We’re always happy to make the semis,” Troy said. “It’s a goal each year to finish top three which gives you a crack at hosting the grand final ... we obviously didn’t get that high, but we were always a top five contender.”
The side takes on fourth-placed Sawtell in the elimation playoff.
“We beat them in the first round and they won by a convincing scoreline in a game I thought we didn’t deserve for it to blow out ... we had seven regular first graders missing and were right in it until 15 minutes to go,” he said.
“But we are confident if we stick to our game plan we’ll go alright.”
If Macksville win on Saturday, they will play the loser of Coffs and Woolgoolga from Sunday’s qualifying final ... and if they lose, it’ll be time to hang up the boots until next year.
