ANDREW Nelson, the Orange Tigers’ 2015 Central West AFL premiership hero, is pumped up tighter than a beach ball at the thought of taking to Country Club Oval on Saturday when the black and golds take on the Bathurst Giants.
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The only thing is, he’ll be lining up for the latter side.
After slotting the match-winning goal for Orange in last year’s grand final the multiple-time Tigers flag winner made the decision last summer to turn out for the Giants in their inaugural season.
Thanks to the two clubs’ first scheduled game being washed out, he hasn’t had the chance to play against his old side yet.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Nelson, who is set to play centre-half-forward, said.
“It will definitely be a lot different being in the opposition change rooms but I’m looking forward to get back on to Country Club Oval.
“Obviously playing for the Tigers for the past four years I developed some great friendships and enjoyed plenty of success, but I’m hoping the four points come to the Giants’ way on Saturday.
“There’s certainly a bit more motivation for me personally, but for the rest of the boys as well to try and knock off the Tigers on their home ground, where they’ve been strongest in the past.”
The Tigers have struggled this year but are coming off two straight wins while the Giants scored their maiden victory a fortnight ago.
Nelson said being a part of the club’s first victory was a memorable moment but conceded despite their battles this year the Tigers will still be heavy favourites in Saturday’s game.
“We’ve been on the end of some big losses this year but the boys never gave up, so getting the club’s first senior win was a great reward for the effort everyone’s put in,” Nelson said.
“It’s a great club culture the Giants are building so it was pretty special to be a part of that, hopefully there’s a few more wins coming.
“The Tigers aren’t the powerhouse side they were in the past but they’ve still got some quality players and experience in their side.
“They’re very beatable but they aren’t going to just hand us the four competition points.”
In Nelson’s eyes, simple footy is the key for his side if the Giants are to trump the Tigers.
“To win, we need to play four quarters of tough, contested footy.
“We have to turn up to play and take the fight to them.”
Tigers co-captain Mick Rothnie, set to return from a knee injury this week, confirmed Nelson will have a target on his back on the weekend.
He did it playfully though.
“It means a lot to us when guys move from our club to another in the same league, there’s always a bit of hate there regardless of whether we’re good mates off the field or not,” Rothnie said, tongue firmly in cheek.
“Come Saturday, for the full 100 minutes we’ll be looking for Nelso, and looking to hit him hard. We won’t be holding back.
“We’re also gunning for three straight wins, which is more important but I know for some of the boys that have played with him, this one’s personal.
“So he should be expecting some fire.”
First bounce is at 2.30pm.