IN THEIR WORDS – LUKE TEDESCO GRAND FINAL

I WOULD put that win on Sunday in the preliminary final over East Perth in the top three that I've been part of in my career, along with the semi-final win over Claremont and the grand final back in 2013.

That was all under-pinned by the pressure that we were able to apply on East Perth and it was a collective effort that did that. We had some standouts but it was the pressure all across the ground that was the key to everything we were able to execute after quarter-time to end up winning the game.

The way the group has pushed through the last half of the season without a break, and the guys who have come into the team through injuries and rotations have done their job remarkably well. That's a testament to the depth of our squad. 

It's now really exciting preparing for the grand final on Sunday. Back in 2013 we had a little bit longer to build up to it after winning the second semi-final and having the week off, whereas this week we had the unknown going into Sunday and now have the short turnaround for a grand final.

There will be a lot crammed into this week, but the excitement is there as well and probably a relative calmness in the group as well now that we have some experience of that occasion. I'm sure the boys that have been there before will be able to help get the first-timers ready for what to expect.

The biggest thing we took out of the grand final two years ago was the belief that we could do it. What's required at training during the week is to make sure you are refining your touch and the absolute most important thing at this stage is getting your body right.  The focus will be on keeping us as relaxed as possible, and not to overthink it and play the game prior to Sunday. Drawing on what worked in 2013 will help.

Knowing that Subiaco is favourites takes the pressure off us a little bit as well. We almost get a free crack at them on Sunday as outside expectations don’t favour us. We were really disappointed with our effort in the second semi and we have learnt a fair bit from that. Whilst acknowledging the fact that they are a great team, the key for us will be to improve what we can do better and I’m confident we can turn that result around.

Being a co-captain for the grand final is pretty exciting. Jay and I have formed a really close friendship over the past two years since Jason retired and have relied on each other for guidance, advice and reassurance. He’s been a huge influence on the group with his knowledge of the game plan, willingness to teach and always being approachable. It will be an absolute honour if we can be standing up on stage together with the cup after the game.