By Tara Murray
Six weeks ago, Calder Cannons coach Andrew Jago told his players that results didn’t really matter this season, as long as they were playing “Cannons football”.
“If we were playing our processes – our football, our way – what comes will come,” Jago told his players.
On Saturday after the Cannons won through to the TAC Cup grand final he said: “We will go inside [the change rooms] and judge ourselves on whether we played what is Cannons football.
“If we aren’t happy with [the way we play] then we wouldn’t be happy – win, lose
or draw.”
The Cannons qualified for their first grand final since 2010 with a 15.12 (102) to 7.7 (48) win over Dandenong Stingrays at Visy Park.
Having enjoyed a week off, the Cannons kicked the first four goals of the game and were never headed.
“We knew we had to ride their pressure early … [but] we got the first couple which always helps,” Jago said.
While Calder led the entire game, Jago said they still had plenty of work to do before
facing Oakleigh Chargers at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
“We didn’t deliver the ball well inside our 50 and Dandenong defended well.
‘‘It’s something we definitely need to
work on.
“We played well in patches, but we didn’t play for four quarters.”
Jago said key forward Jayden Foster played an important role and provided opportunities for the likes of Josh Cauchi, Damien Cavka and Hisham Kerbatieh, who kicked nine goals between them.
He also highlighted the roles of defenders Reilly O’Brien, Jack James and Luke Ryan.
One concern to come out of the game was a leg injury to Peter Wright.
Speaking immediately after Saturday’s game, Jago said he had spoken to doctors
and Wright wasn’t in much doubt for the grand final.
“It’s a bit of a knock. It’s either a knee or high shin.
‘‘The doctor says he seems fine and I’d be surprised if he didn’t play. He could have stayed on, if need be.’’
Jago said about seven players who were left out of the team that defeated the Stingrays would be considered for the grand final, including Ben Allan and Jake Lever. Lever, who could yet be a top 10 AFL draft pick, has missed the entire season with a knee injury but was named in the extended team for the preliminary final.
“[Bruno] Laguda, [Aaron] Christensen will be considered, and so will Tanner Nilsson,’’ Jago said. ‘‘[But] we won’t take anyone injured in [to the final].
“[Lever] has been training with us for a month. His name will get thrown around, but he’s unlikely.”
For more pictures from Saturday’s preliminary final win, visit www.northern.starweekly.com.au.
