By Tara Murray
Tullamarine will play it safe in the final round of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
Demons coach Dave Connell said the final round was irrelevant, having secured a top two position and the double chance.
“We’re worrying about the final. We couldn’t care if we finish first or second.
“Guys with a few niggles, we’ll play it safe.”
No matter the result against Airport West this week, the two teams will line up against each other again in the first week of the finals.
Connell said they would enter the final round and finals in a good mindset after a tough block of matches which have included some big wins.
He was most impressed with the side’s attitude against Taylors Lakes at the weekend.
“I spoke to the guys beforehand saying that we’re set in a finals spot and Taylors Lakes has everything to play for.
“The first three quarters was some of the best footy we have played this season.
“We had five out of our best 22 and we had no bench after quarter-time.”
The Demons easily accounted for the Lions, all but ending their finals hopes, with the 17.14 (116)-10.12 (72) win.
The win ensured the Demons remained undefeated at home this season, something they had set out to achieve.
Connell said they didn’t take any risks with players who were sore during the match.
Tim Barresi will miss several weeks with a hamstring injury, while they are sweating on the severity of an ankle injury to Anthony Prestia.
Connell said Jack Kennedy, Anthony Franchina, Craig Steele and Adam Bartrop, who all missed the weekend’s game, were hoping to return for the first final.
Connell said he had been impressed by how other players had stood up.
Tim Matson, in his third game, was arguably best on ground, while Darcy Browning-Hull made his debut.
Craigieburn is set to join the Demons in finals after results fell their way. They are a game and a big percentage ahead of Taylors Lakes, their final round opponent.
