Anasta Now Cherishes The Finals
Sun Herald
Sunday August 10, 2008
BRAITH ANASTA is the first to admit he took finals football for granted during his days as a Bulldog, but three years without September action has changed that attitude.
And with the Sydney Roosters already assured of a place in this year's finals with five rounds to play, the club's star five-eighth is determined to make 2008 count. "I played my first six years or so making the semis with ease with the Bulldogs and to come here and have a couple of tough years has been hard," said Anasta, who won a premiership with the Dogs in 2004 before joining the Roosters in 2006. Anasta said this season at the Bondi Junction club has had a similar feel to his days at Belmore. "The last few years, I've looked back and thought, 'Gee, I've taken finals football for granted'," he said "So to be back in the mix, I'm just really looking forward to playing it again. I know we're going to be there now, so I'm excited about it, but I also know we've got another four or five games to go, so I'm definitely making sure I don't get ahead of myself."The first assignment in finals countdown will be the struggling Parramatta Eels at the Sydney Football Stadium today. All but written off as a finals hope after a dismal loss to Newcastle on Monday, the 13th-placed Eels' season continues to go from bad to worse with Michael Hagan hospitalised on Friday after collapsing in his unit.The under-pressure coach, who has continually stuck up for his underperforming team, was still expected to coach the Eels today in a game they must win to remain a chance for the play-offs. The Roosters, meanwhile, are aiming for a top-four berth and home semi-final, but could yet challenge for a top-two spot with a win.
© 2008 Sun Herald