Mitchell: “confident we can have their measure”

Dylan Mitchell freely admits playing in a grand final for Manly United was a pipe dream a few years ago.

For a number of winters, Manly were happy to punch above their weight, with mid-table finishes the realistic return.

“It all changed when Paul Dee took over as coach,” Mitchell, a Wakehurst junior, said.

“He recruited top line players to what was already a decent squad and results followed.”

Manly now find themselves in a grand final qualifier versus Rockdale this Saturday evening – on home soil.

And to add some spice to the occasion, the two squads don’t like one another.

“We would love to beat them, more than most teams,” Mitchell said.

“We definitely respect them, but we are confident we can have their measure.

“For someone like me who has been on the (first grade) scene for six years now, I know we have to take opportunities like these with both hands.”

Manly can also call on their finals experience from 12 months ago.

They were sent packing, with their season ending after they were hammered by a ruthless Bonnyrigg.

“To be honest I think we were just happy to be there,” Mitchell said.

“We got pumped, we didn’t go to another gear.

“I would like to think it is different a year on, I guess we will wait and see.”