AT the start of the 2018 Central West AFL season Bathurst Giants coach Mark Kennedy was simply aiming for his men to be competitive, but now he has a maiden finals tilt in mind.
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After struggling in their debut campaign in the senior league in 2016 and showing promise last year, this season the addition of some more experienced players to the roster has helped the Giants to become a contender.
With six rounds remaining Kennedy’s side sits third on the ladder, with only percentages keeping them out of the top two.
“I never thought I’d be in this position at the beginning of the year,” the coach said.
“We don’t really feel pressure because we are exceeding the expectations that we have set. I always had a bit of a five-year plan of establishing a senior side within a new club, but to make the top three and four at this time of year, it holds us in good stead in terms of trying to make finals.
“Now consistency is the key, having a consistent base of players on the paddock and getting those consistent results. That should get us in position to where we can play finals.
“Now I think playing in finals is a realistic expectation.
“The playing group is going well … having players like David Manning, Paul Jenkins, Franky Bright, Simon Kay – they are really good, experienced footballers. I think there is a bag full of best and fairest and grand finals within those names right there.”
This Saturday as the Giants take on the currently fourth placed Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws, they will be bolstered by the return of the experienced Nathan Belbin from a broken toe and Damian Cuff.
The Giants will be motivated to win in what will be their last game at George Park 1 during the regular home and away season as well.
“It’s our last game at our home ground this year, all the rest are away, so it’s really important for us. I think one of our away games in Dubbo will be really important too, if we can win one of those it should cement out spot in the top four,” Kennedy said.
“We are looking forward to a good, hard, game of football and I’ve got to say, the umpires have been pretty good this year.”
Opening bounce at George Park 1 is at 2.30pm on Saturday.
