AS the Bonnie Doon seniors prepare for the biggest game of the year – the grand final this weekend – coach Ken Murray had lots of praises for his team.

“This season has been a very good year on and off the field,” Ken said.

“We consider ourselves a very good chance but a lot has to go right to win a Grand Final.”

Bonnie Doon is excited and ready to bring their best to the Grand Final.

“Anytime you find your way into the last game of the season, it’s a significant achieving just to make it,” said Coach Ken.

“The team is very aware how hard the Grand Final is to win after last year’s loss.

“They are very hungry and very keen to go one step further this year.

“The group has really come together well which has allowed us to create a culture that people enjoy."

Ken said training numbers had been consistent all year with good representation from both senior and reserve grades.

“This certainly helped the development of many players within the reserve group in particular which helped them go a step further this year in the finals series,” he said.

“Loyalty is a great word, but I believe that there are other drivers that players search for like enjoyment and fun.

“We think we have provided that to a large proportion of the club which I guess in turn can create loyalty."

Asked if the boys were prepared for the grand final Ken said: “We think we are.

“We have a mostly healthy list which is super important if you want to win finals games.

“Mentally they (the team) are motivated to go a step further this year, but you come up against other clubs who have the same mindset, so you really need to have a little luck mixed in there to win a Grand Final."

Ken said the team trained last Saturday in Wangaratta before heading out to watch the game between Greta and Bright.

"After the game (grand final) whether they are winners or runners up the plan is for the team to just stick together and either celebrate or drown our sorrows,” he said.

Personally Ken said, “I’m extremely proud of what the club has achieved since being involved for the last five years.

“Clubs are built on great volunteers and support from the community which we have.

“Personally I have enjoyed the journey since starting out as coach in 2019.

“Winning a grand final would be a fantastic way to end my coaching career which I have enjoyed immensely.”