Defenders Dream of Grand Final GloryThursday, September 19, 2024 - 12:03 PM

An East Perth premiership would cap off a stunning comeback to the WAFL for a star defender while a triumph for Peel Thunder would continue a remarkable run for a young backman.

Stan Wright is one of only three Royals to have played more than 100 matches, and he believes his side is well prepared for the Grand Final challenge.

“The vibe around the club is very good at the moment,” Wright said.

“We are very excited with the opportunity and the task ahead because we have beaten the three top sides in the competition in our last three games including Peel, so we take great confidence in that our best is more than good enough.”

Wright, a quality distributor of the ball off half back, was almost lost to the WAFL in 2020.

“I did leave football with my body letting me down which was very frustrating, and my father was ill at the time back in Dunsborough which was a bit scary,” Wright said.

“I wanted to be able to see him, when possible, but the main factor was that I really just fell out of love with the game.

“I stepped away about three weeks before Round 1 that year, and I felt like I let the team down, but in fact I put myself and my family first for probably the first time in my life.

“It had always been footy first and everything second.

“I didn’t think I would play at all that year, but I went down to Wembley to have a kick, and it helped me immensely with my enjoyment and love for footy again.

“We won the B grade flag that year, and I will always appreciate how both Wembley and East Perth helped me that year.

“I was 22 at the time and thought that I would be kicking myself when I’m older if I didn’t have a crack again at WAFL footy.

“I am glad I did, as I managed to tick off a few long term personal goals, playing 100 games for East Perth and representing WA at senior level.

“Winning a flag is the last on that list which I am hoping we can get done this Sunday.”

Michael Sellwood, who turns 21 next month, has a happy knack of playing in strong sides.

“Obviously I’ve been very lucky to have been part of success in recent years with the Colts flag in 2022 and then playing in back to back League Grand Finals,” Sellwood said.

Continuing his development as a defender at Peel, Sellwood’s year would be complete with a premiership and being picked up at November’s AFL Draft.

“Overall I have been very happy with my season,  and I feel I have brought a lot of consistency to my game and added another level from last year and to represent my state was a massive honour which is the fondest highlight of my short career so far,” said Sellwood.

“Getting drafted is the main goal, and it drives a lot of my motivation but this year I have had the mindset of controlling the controllable.

“I haven’t let it affect my performance on game day, and hopefully fingers crossed I get a chance.”

A talented footballer, Sellwood is studying to be a high school teacher at Notre Dame University, and he also mentors people with disabilities.

With those attributes it’s little surprise he’s already regarded as a leader at Peel, and he’s hoping to give outgoing veteran Blair Bell a fairytale finish to his career.

“It would be awesome to get it done for him as he’s been a great servant of the club and he has the nickname ‘The Mayor of Mandurah’ for a reason, Sellwood declared.

“It will definitely give the boys an added incentive going into this week.”

Sellwood is adamant the Thunder can reverse the result in Round 21 when East Perth wrapped up top spot on the ladder.

Then there’s the experience edge the Thunder has in playing in its second successive premiership decider at Optus Stadium.

“I don’t think it’ll serve as a massive advantage to us, but we take confidence in knowing that we have been in this situation before and that may give us a mental edge,” Selwood said.

“However, it’s about whoever shows up on the day and handles the nerves and pressure the best.”

As Peel presses to win their third premiership, the Royals are on the cusp of breaking a drought.

“22 years is the same timeline between the 1978 and the 2000 flag and the current drought from 2002, so I am hoping we can get the monkey off the back,” said Wright.

“We love our fan base, and they’ve helped us get over the line in many close games this year.

 “We hope they come out in huge numbers this week, which I think they will.”