Luff after Premiership fairytale
Former Sydney Swan Troy Luff will be seeking his first premiership ever when he lines up for Balmain in the AFL Sydney Premier Division Grand Final against East Coast Eagles tomorrow at Blacktown International Sportspark (3.30pm).
Saturday’s match will be the 41-year-old’s eighth attempt at premiership glory after a professional career with the Sydney Swans which spanned 155 games.
In his time in the red and white Luff was only part of one senior Grand Final, the Swans’ 1996 loss to North Melbourne. It is the closest he has come to lifting the coveted premiership cup – even in his junior years.
Luff said he is experiencing a range of emotions ahead of Saturday’s match.
“I am pretty nervous and excited, as well,” Luff said.
“While it is another Grand Final, it is great to be part of a team that has turned it around after struggling for many years.”
Also a winner of the Phelan Medal in 2002 and 2006, Luff is focused on the task at hand for his side.
“We have played well together and made improvements from midway through the year where I thought, at the time, we were a good team but not quite a Grand Final side,” he said.
“A strong mental attitude is important and the senior players will be key in holding that together tomorrow.”
The experienced ruckman, who will team up with Josh Ryder, is aware of the challenge posed by their opponents.
East Coast head into the match having won the last two AFL Sydney premierships and are desperate for a third before they enter the new North East Australian Football League next season.
“East Coast are a great side with lots of talent,” Luff said.
“They have been together for many years now and know how to play with each other and stick to the game plan.”
Luff will be asking his team to keep it simple in the showpiece match of the season but win, lose or draw hopes it won’t be his last game.
“Some days, I think enough is enough, but because of the social aspect, I keep turning out for one more game,” he said.
“It is getting harder nowadays, and while the body is still going OK, it is obviously difficult chasing down the eighteen year-old kids.
“I still enjoy playing footy, but maybe it might be in the lower grades next year.”