Border Mail |
MYRTLEFORD co-coach Brad Murray says he isn’t expecting to win his second Morris medal tonight.
The 2005 winner, who returned to the Ovens and Murray from Melbourne this year, was considered one of the leading contenders for the league’s highest individual honour.
Murray starred for the Saints in his first year as co-coach.
Myrtleford played in the grand final that year.
“I don’t have too many expectations going in,” Murray said.
“It’s always a good night so I’m just looking forward to that.
“We’ll see how we go.
“Obviously we only won a certain number of games.
“If it works out, then that’s good, but as I said, I’m not expecting anything.”
Murray said Albury coaching counterpart Chris Hyde would take beating.
“I think he stood out more in their side this year,” Murray said.
“Obviously a guy like Joel Mackie had an interrupted year with injury early.
“He kicked a lot of goals, too.”
Yarrawonga star Xavier Leslie, who finished runner-up behind Mackie last season, also expected Hyde to take it out.
“He’s been pretty good and consistent all year,” Leslie said.
“The last half of his season he’s been a standout, as well.”
Leslie is also considered a chance, considering his recent polling form, but the midfielder said too many Pigeons were likely to take votes off each other to be a factor tonight.
“Kayne (Pettifer) and ‘Snout’ (Craig Ednie) both had good years and I wouldn’t be surprised if they poll well,” Leslie said.
“We’ve had quite a few guys who have had good years and will probably steal votes off each other.
“You never really know.”
Leslie, who has sat out the entire finals series with an ankle problem, labelled himself a starter for the grand final.
“I’m right to go,” he said.
“I’ve been doing a stack of running to try to get the fitness up but I’m feeling really good.”
