EVEN the most experienced Western Region Football League division 1 grand final performer will have butterflies coursing through his stomach this week.
Spotswood half-forward flanker Will Langlands will front buckle up for an incredible sixth consecutive tango at the big dance and will be as nervous as the first time he appeared on western suburbs footy’s biggest stage.
“For me personally, I like to get them out of the way. It’s a nervous week for me, nervous day, I don’t really enjoy it, but you’ve got to be a part of it. This is six now and I still get nervous like the first one.”
The Woodsmen have featured in the past five grand finals dating back to 2007. The home-grown Langlands, older brother of captain Tom and son of club life member Gavin, is the only player to feature in all five.
Langlands is happy to play the mind games ahead of Saturday’s much-anticipated grand final clash with minor premiers Altona Vikings.
He says the Vikings should be favourites on the form they have shown throughout the 2012 season and in the finals. Of the 44 players involved in the game, Langlands knows that favourites can lose and underdogs can surprise.
“Definitely, they go in as favourites,” he said in a cheeky tone.
“If you’re the favourites you’ve got everything to lose. Finals is a funny game, especially down here, anything can happen.”
