While Freo’s development forward coach Brent Guerra remains focused on the job in the lead-up to Sunday’s WAFL Grand Final between Peel Thunder and Subiaco, he does have a very good reason if he has to excuse himself on the day.
Guerra and his wife Rachel are expecting the birth of their second child and Sunday’s Grand Final date looms large as a potential clash.
While the timing may not work in favour of the two-time Hawthorn premiership player, he knows he and Rachel won’t have far to drive if the baby arrives on game-day.
“My wife is due any day now, so I’m hoping that it does come before Sunday or after Sunday, but it’s just a waiting game,” Guerra said.
“We’re lucky enough that she’s having the baby in Subiaco at the birth centre, so it’s only two minutes around the corner.
“Rachel's going to come to the game on Sunday and if she happens to go into labour, I'll have to do a quick drive out to the birth centre.”
The weather forecast for Sunday is likely to be more reliable than a baby forecast, with a wet grand final looking likely.
Friday’s training session provided a good test for the group, according to Guerra, with players and coaches drenched by the end.
“Conditions are going to be similar as today, it was pretty windy and wet out there but the boys enjoyed it,” Guerra said.
“We’ve got a good midfield, obviously (Josh) Deluca, (Cam) Sutcliffe, (Tommy) Sheridan, (Danyle) Pearce - all those guys that play good wet weather footy so we’re looking forward to the contest.”
Peel defeated Subiaco in the sides’ most recent meeting in the second semi-final a fortnight ago, where Matt Taberner kicked four goals in Peel’s 24-point win.
Guerra said that another strong performance from Taberner would be crucial.
“Our forwards were able to get on top of their defenders last time,” Guerra said.
“Tabs played a good first half, but just being able to get it inside 50 to our talls. Like I said, Tabs, (Blair) Bell, (Zac) Dawson and guys like that can take a contested mark will be crucial.”
