LGSHA 2023: Peaks out to defy the odds with upset victory over red-hot Park in men’s A-grade grand final

Manypeaks coach Ashton Mills is relishing his side’s underdog status ahead of their daunting grand final clash with Spencer Park in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade competition on Saturday. Park will have a chance to cap their undefeated season with the ultimate prize, a win sealing back-to-back titles and a third premiership in four years. Peaks will be out to claim a major upset and a ninth premiership in 16 years against the hot favourites, their last title coming against Park as part of a 3-0 win in 2021 decider. A dominant 3-0 victory over North Albany in the semifinal a fortnight ago got Park to the grand final while Peaks defeated the Redbacks in last Saturday’s thrilling preliminary final to book their spot in a third decider in as many years. “We’ll need everyone to play a great game, they will all have to do their bit and pretty much play out of their skin to win,” Mills said. “We were sort of underdogs in our game against North Albany on the weekend, the last three or four times we’ve played they beat us convincingly so it’s nothing new.” Mills said the occasion of a grand final has the potential to produce unlikely results, especially between two traditional rivals. “Spencer (Park) have dominated us every time we’ve played them this season but in a grand final I believe anything can happen,” he said. “That is always in the back of my mind, anything can happen on the day, I’m hoping the boys can turn the tables and get a big win. “They have some very good strikers but hopefully our defence can be tight at the back. “If you lose focus for a few minutes, a game can turn very quickly so stopping the other team when their tail is up will be important.” Park player-coach Darren Parkes is confident his side can cap a brilliant regular season with a memorable grand final win but remains cautious of a crafty Peaks outfit. “They’ve got some dangerous players who can turn it on when they want to, you’ve really got to keep an eye on them,” he said. “One or two short corners and you find yourself a goal or two down and then you’re chasing your tail. “Mitch Bradbury is handy flicking them in the net and obviously Chris Metcalfe is another one to watch. “The rivalry started a long time before I started playing, it’s something that is always there and we’ll expect the same thing on Saturday. “Everyone is fighting fit and ready to go.” Park and Peaks will do battle for the men’s title at 4.30pm on Saturday.