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    26 Sep 2008
    BAYS WANT TO WIN FOR THE WIZ

    Mathew BodeIf Glenelg wants any extra motivation it need only look at Matthew Bode. The Tigers veteran could have his distinguished career cut short - by a week - should the Bays succumb to Sturt in Sunday's preliminary final at Adelaide Oval. But if you ask his team-mates, they will be doing everything in their power to give the "Wiz" a fitting send-off on grand final day.

    "When he announced it (retirement) in the back of our minds was for him to go out with a great finals campaign and fingers crossed - a flag," Glenelg vice-captain Adam Fisher said.

    "Last week wasn't the best result for us but Wiz is a fantastic guy and a Glenelg man through and through, so to play for him, not much more could inspire us to go further."

    The 29-year-old shocked his team-mates by announcing he would retire at the end of the season due to work commitments. Even though the former Crow could easily play on for another two seasons at least, Bode will be giving it his all against the Double Blues.

    In a jovial mood while training at Adelaide Oval this week, Bode's presence at Brighton Rd has rubbed off on his comrades this year.

    "He's been enjoying it - he's been very vocal," Fisher said. "I know a few of the guys said a bit to him the other night.

    "It's just the way he prepares for every game - it's second to none. His leadership and experience around the club has been incredible for us. We didn't have many contributors last Sunday but after the game he said a few things which were very beneficial for us."

    Fisher said the minor premiers were determined to beat Sturt, not just for themselves but for the Tigers' long-suffering fans.

    "Sturt's a great side and finals footy, it's going to be a tough game but we're confident we can have a win," Fisher said. "Footy is won between the ears - 90 per cent is mental and 10 per cent physical so even if we slip behind we've got to keep positive.

    "A lot of the supporters were hurt with last week's result - and so they should be, so we've got that expectation to win it for them as well."


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