After the Forbes Magpies stunned Dubbo CYMS to claim the Group 11 premiership last Sunday, the Platypi’s job in Saturday’s Blowes Clothing Cup decider became about more than just winning.
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Now it’s about making history too, by bringing trophies from both codes back to Forbes – something that’s never been done.
“Forbes is buzzing after the Magpies’ premiership and of course there’s been a lot of talk about creating history if the mighty Platypi get over the line on Saturday,” Forbes Platypi president Tracey Prior said.
“I’m sure if we’re successful on Saturday there’d be a massive party in town and probably requests for Monday to be made a public holiday. The Forbes open soccer team is also in the grand final.
VIDEO: See what Nick McGrath and Matt Findlay predict for Blowes Clothing Cup grand final day on Saturday:
“Imagine if we were successful in all three codes, we’d need a month to get over it.”
A win on Saturday would be the culmination of endless hours of hard work on and off the field, which have seen the Platypi go from winning just four games last year to grand finalists in 12 short months.
“For us, a premiership would complete this year’s journey,” Prior said.
“Every club sets out to win a premiership at the start of the year, to have that opportunity is difficult to put into words.
“It hurt being beaten and beaten well almost every weekend, we used that as incentive this year – we didn’t want to feel that way again.
“The focus was always about how we would recruit to complement the side, believe it or not it’s the same side which ran out last year with three additions.
“We’ve achieved so much as a club already in many, many ways even though we have only won three first XV premierships.
“Our club is steeped in tradition, our players and members enjoy a deep sense of community and involvement. The club’s never stood still, and a win on Saturday would be the reward for a lot of people.
“Obviously for the players, but also for those in the background, the coaching staff, our supporters and the community of Forbes.
“It will be their reward of we win on Saturday.”
Of course, one of those additions was now NSW Country Cockatoos halfback Mahe Fangupo who has undoubtedly sparked the Platypi’s turnaround.
However the contribution of former West Harbour Shute Shield No.8 Matt Coles can’t be underestimated either. While Fangupo attracts the attention of defensive line Coles strikes, and vice-versa.
However in a potentially match-defining blow, Coles remains in doubt for the clash after pulling up lame from last weekend’s preliminary final win over Bathurst Bulldogs.
He was scheduled for work with Forbes’ physiotherapist on Wednesday and Thursday, and will be given until the 11th hour to prove his fitness.
Kick-off in Saturday’s grand final at Endeavour Oval is at 3.15pm.
FORBES PLATYPI: 1 Jake Cutler, 2 Jarrod Hall, 3 Kyal Sharpe, 4 Brenton Howarth, 5 Tim Prior, 6 Adrian Cole, 7 Tim Anderson, 8 Andrew Hubbard, 9 Mahe Fangupo, 10 Jeff Stewart, 11 Nathan Langilangi, 12 Brett Stace, 13 Jack Hammond, 14 Henry Willis, 15 Josh Coulthurst
Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
