Player Column – Shane Hockey Preliminary Final

THE last time I played in a final up until a couple of weeks ago was exactly 10 years ago at Frankston Park when I was playing for the Mornington under-18s against Frankston YCW.

We lost that game by 10 goals and that was the extent of my experience playing finals football when I arrived over here in the west to play with South Fremantle this year.

To say I was pretty desperate to play finals footy would have to be one of the great understatements.

Along the way I was able to play in some good teams at both Mornington in the Peninsula Football League and then Frankston in the VFL but we always just fell short of taking part in the action in September.

I never would have guessed it would be so long between drinks for me but when I arrived here at the Bulldogs it was a group of guys equally as hungry as me to get that taste of playing finals.

I am not surprised we have come this far, from the moment I walked in the door I knew there was something special here. We believe our best is as good as anyone's and know that if we put in a four-quarter effort we are a big chance to win any game.

Playing against West Perth in that qualifying final was not only my first final at senior level but the first for 15 of my teammates here at the club as well. So that was something special. I was extremely nervous before the game but as soon as the ball bounced the nerves were gone and it was business as usual.

There was definitely a big lift in pressure and intensity but I thought we all adjusted well to that against a team coming off playing in the grand final and produced a solid performance to win the game.

Then last week against Subi was disappointing. I felt we prepared well during the week and also started the game well, but it just goes to show when you don't take your opportunities against a team like Subiaco they can really hurt you. The boys were disappointed after the game but were quick to move on to the preliminary final now this Sunday against Peel at home.

A great home and away season has allowed us to have a double chance and this week we have been focusing all our attention on Peel. I am expecting this game to step up another notch and absolutely cannot wait to get out there and clash heads.

Being one win away from a grand final is exciting and you can expect there to be no stone left unturned this Sunday.