BA: Congratulations on making it through to the grand final in your first year back coaching the Lindenow Football Netball Club. The Cats are back in the premiership mix after a few lean years since 2019. Is there any extra pressure with that?
GOULD: I don’t think there is any more pressure associated with being back in finals after missing out recently. There’s always pressure, but there is also a lot of excitement around performing in finals and grand finals regardless of expectations.
BA: You coached the club to premiership success in 2019. Are you seeing any comparisons with the group you have
built this season?
GOULD: 2019 was different — the majority of that team had played together and been successful over a long period. This year’s side has come together quickly and is quite new as a unit, with players returning to the club alongside recruits from elsewhere. However, there is still a handful of guys
who played in that 2019 premiership.
BA: Having players with that premiership experience must be helpful in steadying
the group?
GOULD: Yes, we have a few who have played in premierships with Lindenow
and elsewhere. It helps mostly around knowing what to expect in the lead-up. Boisdale Briagolong obviously has a lot of experience from their previous success, too. We also have a great mix of youth, and it’s exciting for them to experience a decider for the first time.
BA: Coming off a strong qualifying final win, are you expecting to make any selection changes heading into the decider?
GOULD: In terms of changes, it was really tough selecting a side for the first final and it will be the same this week. There are three or four players who missed out initially but have continued to train hard and press their case. We will look at finalising the
team midweek.
BA: Has the dramatic rise of the Cats in
2026 surprised you at all?
GOULD: I have been surprised with how well the group has connected. The club had been building slowly over the past two years with a young group that didn’t get a heap of wins, but consistently turned up and worked on improving. We had a strong off-season, attracting a number of past players back and landing key recruits in areas we felt we needed. We were confident we would improve throughout the year.
BA: What has the vibe been like around the club since last weekend?
GOULD: The past week has brought a
lot of excitement, as you’d expect. We
also had our reserves and thirds playing on the weekend, which is positive for the whole club. Unfortunately the reserves
fell short, but the thirds are through, which is a great result. All football and netball teams have enjoyed fantastic support throughout the year.
BA: Who do you expect to be your key players in the decider?
GOULD: There are no secrets with the form Dave Donchi has been in all season. We have great key forward targets in
Peter Harrison, Jake Richards, and
Logan Dunkley. Dion Grace has been a massive asset in the ruck, while our backline has been super consistent all year, led by Josh Lando.
BA: Who are you expecting to be Boisdale Briagolong’s key players?
GOULD: They have a lot of key players with plenty of big-match experience. In their front half, Matt Wilkinson is a key target and can be very damaging. Captain Jim Reeves has had another great year and was prominent against Orbost. Through half-forward and midfield, Kade Renooy has damaging speed and great skills, while Kelvin Porter is very experienced, has elite kicking skills, and hits the scoreboard. Ben Brunt was runner-up in the league vote, has had a great year, and is very good around stoppages. Thomas Jolly is also dangerous around stoppages and forward of centre. Across half-back, Jackson Glenane and Josh Davis give them plenty of run and drive with precise ball use, and Nick Sandison has come in as a key interceptor. They have quality players across the board, which is why they have been the benchmark.
BA: What do you see as Boisdale Briagolong’s main strengths?
GOULD: Their midfield can get
forward and hit the scoreboard, and they are very good at turning defence into attack off half-back with their ball use.
They are extremely organized and experienced in defence.
BA: And Lindenow’s strengths?
GOULD: We probably have similar strengths across the board, so hopefully it makes for a great game.
BA: Have you learned much about your opponent over the past fortnight?
GOULD: We have learned a little, but we also had the opportunity to play them twice during the home-and-away season. They have been very consistent and
play to their strengths. I’m sure they have a good understanding of the way we want to play as well.
BA: Why will Lindenow win the game?
GOULD: (Laughs) I think I will stay out of answering that one.
