Kyabram coach Paul Newman has been around footy long enough to know that fairytale endings don’t always work out the way you want them to.
The Bomber legend will step down following Sunday’s Goulburn Valley League grand final against Echuca and end what has been a storied playing and coaching career.
“That would be nice (to end with a win), but fairytales don’t always work like that,” Newman said.
“I’m just super proud of the boys to give themselves a chance in a grand final. We’ve been beaten by Echuca three times already this year, it would have been easy to check out after the semi-final loss but they’ve dug deep and I’m just rapt they have put themselves in a position to be in with a chance.”
Newman said his side would take plenty of belief into this weekend despite being yet to defeat the reigning premier.
The Bombers have pushed Echuca in each of their three appearances this season, however a lapse in each game has allowed Echuca to hold on.
“I believe we can make the most of our opportunities if we can hang in the game for a long way, how that looks at the end, I’m not sure,” Newman said.
“Seize our opportunities and hang in for as long as we can.”
The Bombers will head into Sunday’s clash with a few selection headaches to make.
Kayne Pettifer is making one last-ditch attempt to be available, while defenders Jason Morgan and Lachie Smith are in a race against the clock to be passed fit.
“I’m pretty confident Jase will get through training tomorrow night,” Newman said.
“Lachie is improving each day and he’s giving himself a pretty good chance. We’ll just see how he pulls up after training.”