Border Mail | DEAN Polo hadn’t played for three weeks, but you wouldn’t have known it.
The superstar Albury midfielder had well over 30 disposals to destroy Lavington and book Albury a spot in its seventh straight grand final on Saturday.
Polo hadn’t played since the round 16 loss to the Panthers, but he was the architect to the barnstorming second semi-final win, with his composure and clearance work unmatched.
But Tigers co-coach Chris Hyde wasn’t surprised with Polo’s outstanding comeback game.
“The last game he played was against Lavington and he was really disappointed with how he went,” Hyde said.
“He was always going to be a tough player to play on today.”
Another positive for the Tigers was the performance of co-coach Daniel Maher, who played arguably his best game of the season to help his side over the line.
The Tigers now have two weeks to prepare for the grand final, with several players who didn’t play on Saturday putting their hands up for selection.
“You can’t take anything for granted and whoever we play in two weeks’ time it’s going to be a real contest,” Hyde said.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for the way Lavi go about their footy.
“In two weeks’ time it’s a different game.”
Albury could still play Lavington in the grand final, if the Panthers win next week’s preliminary final.
The Tigers have played Yarrawonga in the past six grand finals, winning four and losing two.
