The Kempsey Saints reserve grade side were within 10 minutes of claiming their maiden senior title when they held a 2-0 lead over Wallis Lake in the 2015 grand final.
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Two goals, extra-time, and a nervous penalty shootout later and glory was stolen from the Saints’ hands.
Saints captain Alex Breckell and the majority of his teammates, who were playing in the 2015 grand final, will have a shot at redemption in the decider this Saturday.
“It was a tough loss, I don’t think I will ever get over it,” Breckell said.
The fire still burns within Breckell and he believes it will contribute to Saints defeating the Forster-Tuncurry Tigers and the club claiming their first senior men’s grand final victory.
“It will help push us to do all the little things right, the game will be close and it could be the bounce of the ball which decides the result, but we will leave everything on the field,” Breckell said.
“The loss brought us closer and it has given us big match experience.
“I have faith in my teammates and I am confident we will taste success on Saturday.”
The 25-year-old has taken on the leadership role for the first time this year and is thankful for the opportunity to be in charge.
“I feel humbled and privileged to captain this squad and represent the club in a grand final,” Breckell said.
“It has been a team effort from everybody behind the scenes this year, the players and coaches from all grades who put in each week.”
Kempsey Saints finished the regular season as minor premiers and advanced to the grand final when they defeated the Tigers 1-0 a fortnight ago.
The win came on the back of a tremendous defensive performance.
Breckell, who is Saints’ central defender, will have his hands full holding out the leagues best attacking side.
“They are a hard team to defend against and they throw a lot of players forward,” Breckell said.
“But I will control things from the back and help put our side on the front foot.”
Breckell expressed it would be an important moment in his and his teammates’ lives and the club’s history if they are to claim victory on Saturday.
The match kicks off at Port Regional Stadium, Port Macquarie, at 5.15pm.