West Coast midfielder Andrew Gaff says he won’t be thinking about last year’s grand final heartbreak when he attempts to snare an elusive AFL premiership next month.
Gaff missed last year’s finals series after copping an eight-week suspension for his punch on Dockers youngster Andrew Brayshaw.
Nic Naitanui (knee) and Brad Sheppard (hamstring) were also hard luck stories for West Coast last year.
All three will be on deck for the upcoming finals campaign, which begins with an elimination final against Essendon at Optus Stadium next Thursday.
Gaff said he had well and truly moved on from missing out on last year’s flag.
“It might have been different if I hadn’t have played too many finals in the past,” said Gaff, who has played 11 finals in his 195-game career
“Ever since I started in 2011, we got to a prelim then, and I’ve been very fortunate to play quite a few finals, and you don’t take it for granted.
“There are guys playing for their first premiership, or second premiership, or in Lewis Jetta’s case his third.
“Oscar Allen, Jack Petruccelle, all those guys (who haven’t won one yet) – these guys want a taste of it as much as I do.
“There’s absolutely no guarantees you’re going to be in that situation again. But we’re going to give ourselves every chance.”
The return of Naitanui looms as a feel-good story for West Coast.
Naitanui hasn’t played since suffering a syndesmosis ankle injury in round 17, but he’s set to return against the Bombers.
“It will be huge,” Gaff said of Naitanui’s return.
“Simmo said he’s like our Patrick Dangerfield. He’s one of our most valuable players.
“We all walk a bit taller with Nic. He’s such a presence out there. His impact is so much more than ruck taps or disposals.
“He gives opposition teams like Essendon a lot to think about.
“Even though he only played three games this season before going down again, the numbers showed us how influential he was.”
Gaff signed a six-year contract extension at the end of last season, but the deal contains clauses allowing him to return home to Melbourne if family reasons arise.
The 27-year-old’s father Paul suffered a serious heart scare last year.
Gaff says his father is doing much better now, and he’s keen to see out his entire contract at West Coast.
“I’m very lucky to be at this footy club,” Gaff said.
“I love being in Perth and it’s an exciting time to be a player and supporter of the club.”