Their wait is over

Officer legend Ben Tivendale was part of the the Kangaroos'' last finals side in 2004. 182900

By Nick Creely

When Officer runs onto Edwin Flack Reserve on Sunday, it’ll mark 5104 days since their last finals appearance – almost 14 years lost in the wilderness, waiting for a chance to once again be back on the big stage.

Sitting on the sidelines in envy for well over a decade, watching opposition teams hold the premiership cup aloft, the Kangaroos have been dealt their fair share of pain in a journey that has certainly tested the fabric of the club.

And they simply don’t want to just make up the numbers when they break their duck against Beaconsfield – they want to make a statement, and leave no stone unturned as they embark on a new era.

They are a club with a rich history, with many stories of success through the 1990’s and early 2000’s, and want to write another chapter they can be proud of.

They are hell bent on proving their worth, and understand the significance of representing the town during a time of the year all players, coaches, support staff and fans eagerly anticipate.

“We are a proud club and our return to finals has been a long time coming for everyone involved in the club,” Officer president Nick McLennan said.

“I couldn’t be happier with how our playing group and coaches have attacked this season to bring us to this point, however there is still plenty of football to be played this year and we recognise that we have a huge challenge awaiting us this weekend.”

The Kangaroos won their last senior premiership in 2002, and their last finals appearance was back in a preliminary final in 2004, when they lost by seven-points against Warragul at Nar Nar Goon in the West Gippsland Latrobe Football League Western Division, in the final game for premiership coach Steve Pursell, and the Kangaroos’ final game before joining the MPNFL.

In this particular game, the Kangaroos were well on top at half time, but were overrun in a dominant second half by the Gulls. But nobody could see the club fall away after coming so close to a premiership.

Current player and 300 game legend Ben Tivendale was part of that agonising preliminary final defeat 14 years ago, and has stuck fat with the club through thick and thin, and now hopes to reap the rewards.

“I’m excited to be playing finals again after 14 years, it’s also important for the club and our supporters to see some action at the pointy end of the year,” he said.

“They deserve this as much as anyone.”

In what promises to be a fierce clash with the Eagles who have bested them in both matches against one another this season, Tivendale guaranteed his club will take it right up to them as soon as the ball is bounced into the turf.

“We’re not just here to make up the numbers and I think this weekend we have a real point to prove against one of our oldest rivals,” he said.

Current coach Doug Koop has built a list stocked with young talent, and has turned the club around quickly. He now hopes his side – led by Matthew Clarke – can take the next step and chalk up what would be a memorable win in the club’s history.

“Last year our aim was to be competitive, this year we set ourselves the goal of playing finals,” he said.

“It’s another step forward in our progression and this weekend presents another opportunity to take a massive step forward with a win.”

Former president of the club and 1983 reserves premiership player Frank Wyatt is thrilled the Kangaroos are back where they belong, and wants the club to make finals it’s “expectation” moving forward.

“It’s a great thing for the club, when you think back to the club’s glory days, finals was an expectation and something we perhaps took for granted,” he said.

“Hopefully this is the beginning of bigger and better things for our club.”

Robert Porter – a past premiership player and coach – echoed the sentiments of Wyatt, and can’t wait to see what the modern day Kangaroos can produce on the weekend.

“I played in our first ever flag in 1961, coached in late 80’s early 90’s and witnessed the 1990’s and 2002 flags and I couldn’t be more excited to see the boys back in finals again,” he said.

“It’s these sorts of games that really bring the club, players and supporters together.”

The match will be played at Edwin Flack Reserve (Berwick), with the game to commence at 2.00pm.

For a full preview of the SEFNL finals, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Gazette.