Having played in an AFL grand final in his second year at Fremantle, Cam Sutcliffe understands the steep learning curve that comes with finals football.
Which is why he feels Peel’s upcoming WAFL Grand Final, played next Sunday at Domain Stadium, will be even more significant for Freo’s younger core.
All of Fremantle’s first-year players in Griffin Logue, Sean Darcy, Brennan Cox, Luke Ryan, Taylin Duman and Luke Strnadica are eligible line up for Peel against the winner of this Sunday’s preliminary final between Subiaco and South Fremantle.
“It’s really important,” Sutcliffe said.
“I know for myself, I’ve played in a few finals series now and that lift in tempo - you don’t get used to it until you’ve really experienced it.
“For those younger guys like Griffin Logue and Tay Duman, I think it’s going to be really important going forward.”
Peel has defeated both of their potential opponents in this finals series and Sutcliffe knows that they will be in for another big test.
“(The second semi final against Subiaco) was tough,” Sutcliffe said.
“They were strong inside and all around the ground as well. We had our hands full with a few guys like Leigh Kitchin and Adam Cockie, so in a couple weeks time if we play them again, we’ll know what we’re coming up against.
“No matter who it is, we’ll have to be one top of our game again.”
The game will be the last for the retiring Zac Dawson and Garrick Ibbotson and both are chasing their first career premiership.
“Everyone’s pretty excited, I think a lot of the boys haven’t played in grand finals at all,” Sutcliffe said.
“Daws hasn’t won a grand final yet and Ibbo hasn’t played in one at all so everyone’s really excited. The young guys and the senior guys.
“Hopefully, if we can win it, it will be emotional for those guys. We’re all looking forward to the challenge of playing whoever it is in two week’s time.
