OUR Premier League men’s teams have already won four trophies in this remarkable season – and still want to win more.
Two Premierships, the (combined) Club Championship and Canale Cup, pictured above, are already in the ACE trophy cabinet.
Now the Senior Men and Reserves are counting down to tomorrow’s knock-out semi-finals at Wolter Park – Reserves kick-off 4pm, Seniors at 6.30pm – and if successful the end-of-season grand finals.
St George Willawong, last season’s premiers, stand in their way having finished fourth in both the Premier League and Premier League Reserves this year.
“I know the boys are desperate to go all the way,” ACE’s Premier League coach Steve Glockner said.
“We made a lot of statements at the start of year saying we wanted to be unbeaten and win the Canale Cup and win the treble.
“After last season everyone was so disappointed. Everyone felt there was a huge point to prove and I don’t think anyone will be easing off.
“I think it will be tight on Saturday. Last time they played quite defensive, I thought, had a lot of people crowding their half and make it hard for us to break down.
“But we solved a few of those problems at half time and came out better in the second half (winning 3-0).”
ACE was unbeaten in the regular 22-match season, winning 19 of their 22 matches. But the Reserves went one better, finishing unbeaten with 20 wins and two draws.
And Reserves coach Greg Bradley said “nothing changes” in his side’s preparations for the semi-finals.
“I think St George will be a lot stronger for this game than the catch-up match recently (ACE won 7-1),” Greg said, “It’s the finals.
“We’re going to be fired up for it and hopefully we get a big crowd. This is one I do want to win and make a grand final. It would just cap off the season.”
Greg admits he gets “excited and nervous in these games”.
“You’re one game, 90 or 120 minutes from a grand final, which is a fun day. Win, lose or draw 10 minutes after a final you’re having a beer reflecting on a great season.
“Lose this one …. and it’s over.”
