Border Mail |
UNDER fire North Albury star Jason Gram says he has a point to prove when the Hoppers host Albury in today’s blockbuster at Bunton Park.
The former St Kilda ace, who has battled fitness and form issues over the first half of the year, said he was fully aware of public perception and that he was driven to succeed as the finals approached.
“Oh absolutely,” Gram said.
“I’m pretty disappointed with how the first half of the year panned out, but it was a wipeout as far as I’m concerned.
“I played the first couple of games but after that it was only a half, or I had to play forward because of my hammy for the next five weeks.
“There was always going to be expectations but I was never going to come in and have 50 (possessions) a game and kick four (goals).
“That’s not how it works.
“I’m feeling fresh now and leading into finals I’m keen to show people what I can do.”
Gram struggled badly when the Hoppers last took on the Tigers on Anzac Day, spending the entire second-half deep forward after aggravating the hamstring strain he first suffered against Wangaratta in round 3.
He spent almost two months battling the problem.
But Gram, who has lost about five kilograms since he last played against Albury, said a lot had changed since that day, and not just personally.
“We’ve made about six or seven changes to our side since then,” Gram said.
“Everyone has taken note that we haven’t beaten a side above us yet and we know that.
“We want to try and get a scalp leading into finals.
“We’ve played a lot of two or three quarter games this year and if we want to beat Albury we need to play four.
“We’re keen to show everyone what we’re made of and what better way to do that than against our rival.”
Gram enters today’s finals-shaping clash with every reason to be confident.
He collected 10 game-turning possessions in a brilliant 10-minute final quarter burst that helped steer the Hoppers to victory over Wangaratta leading into last week’s bye.
The extra week’s rest has only helped his cause.
“I’m feeling good,” Gram said.
“The past few weeks, apart from the Yarra game, have been better.
“I went back to half-back last game, where I played for 10 years, and that really helped me.
“I’ve been getting a heavy tag, or been double-teamed, most weeks but I’m starting to work through that with a bit of help.
“I need to go and get my own ball, too.”
