Bairnsdale Advertiser: Congratulations on making it through to the grand final for the second year in a row. Chasing the club’s first premiership since 2001, are you feeling the pressure?
Sam Bedggood: Yes, there’s a little bit of pressure on, but to be honest I’m probably more excited than anything.
BA: Obviously the Bombers are looking to go one better than last year, does that enter into the conversation you have with your playing group?
SB: Not directly, I think it’s definitely in the back of our minds, especially for the guys who played last year, but we also have some additions, so we are all focused on a common goal – premiership glory.
BA: Do you think last year’s experience will be beneficial in the big picture?
SB: No one likes to be on the losing end after working hard for nine months, it’s a terrible feeling and I know I’m not keen to experience it again.
BA: Do you go in with a better side this year?
SB: Very similar, but I think we have improved in several areas and have developed as a group. I think we are playing better footy.
BA: Matt Wilkinson has been a big inclusion in the ruck?
SB: Having him back and fit has been a big bonus. Having a big aggressive ruckman who gets around the ground and gives our midfielders first use has been a great addition.
BA: How have the boys come through Saturday?
SB: Unscathed, with Shaquille Coridas who got concussion the previous week the only one to miss this week.
BA: Any likely changes?
SB: We will have a look at how we match up with the opposition and give it plenty of thought and make some big decisions later in the week.
BA: Toby Leeds was a big in last week.
SB: We recognised in the Lucknow game that we are a small side and decided to bring in some height, he gives Matt Wilkinson a chop out in the ruck, allowing him to go forward. He’s a 60 plus goalkicking forward a couple of years ago, so if he can spend some time forward, kicking a goal or bringing it down to our small forwards, its a bonus.
BA: Who will be your key players be in the grand final?
SB: The guys who work through the middle, Matt Wilkinson, Kel Porter, Tom Jolly and Jackson Glenane, all have plenty of experience and know what has to be done to win a flag.
BA: The skipper Jimmy Reeves?
SB: He’s a phenomenal player who got us over the line on the weekend. Hopefully he has his kicking boots on again this week.
BA: Who are their key players?
SB: Their experienced intercept markers down back hurt us last time, led by Andrew Nelson. Joel McNamara is a good onballer, always plays well against us and has had another great season.
BA: What are Boisdale Briagolong’s strengths?
SB: I think it is our ball movement, I think we can really open sides up on the bigger grounds. Which probably surprises some sides given we play a lot on a small ground every second week.
BA: What are Lucknow’s strengths?
SB: Intercept marking, we need to make their backs more accountable.
BA: What did you learn from the semi final defeat?
SB: We need to maximise our chances in front of goal and deliver the ball to our forwards or make a contest, not let them mark easily. I think we have addressed that by bringing in Toby Leeds to make a contest, either marking or bringing the ball to ground.
BA: Why will you win the game?
SB: If we stick to our structures and game plan, I think we can get the job done.
BA: Hopefully on Saturday you’re holding the cup, and the Advertiser appreciates your help and assistance in your tenure as coach and looks forward to seeing you play for a few more years yet.
SB: Thank you.
