JOEL Hamling and Fletcher Roberts can’t quite believe they will be anchoring the Western Bulldogs' defence in Saturday's Grand Final against the Sydney Swans.
When you look back at Grand Final teams of years past, Hamling, 23, a delisted free agent from Geelong, and Roberts, 23, a 2011 pre-season draft selection, are an unlikely defensive pairing heading into Saturday's season decider.
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But their inclusions sum up the 2016 version of the Bulldogs – a team that has consistently been able to replace injured players and find a way to win no matter the obstacles standing in their way.
Speaking at Friday's Grand Final parade, Roberts' excitement was clear.
"I was thinking about that earlier this morning when my brother texted me and said 'It's a great thing to be a part of,'" Roberts told AFL.com.au.
"He said, 'You'll look back on it in a couple of years and realise how good it is to play in a Grand Final.'
"It'll hit me tomorrow walking out on the field. It's very rare that people get to play in a game like this, so I feel very privileged."
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Roberts was dropped for the Bulldogs' elimination final win over West Coast and did not appear in the club's memorable semi-final victory against Hawthorn.
Although disappointed, he never dropped his head, and when the opportunity came to replace the injured Matt Suckling in the preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney, he seized it with both hands.
Roberts kept Jeremy Cameron to five disposals and no goals in a pivotal defensive role, as the Dogs triumphed in a six-point thriller at Spotless Stadium.
"Bevo (Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge) and (defensive coach) Rohan Smith said to remain positive, play the best footy you can and opportunities sometimes arise in footy," Roberts said.
"It's a weird game so you never know when luck's going to be on your side. Thankfully, last week it was."
Hamling failed to play a game in three seasons on Geelong's list after being selected with pick No.32 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.
But despite the setback of being cut from the Cats' list, he never lost faith that one day he would play consistent AFL footy.
Since joining the Bulldogs at the end of the 2014 season, Hamling – a player who utilises his athletic capabilities in the air to advantage – has played 22 games in two seasons and has complemented the steady Dale Morris in the backline.
With his former teammates on holidays, after a disappointing preliminary final showing against the Swans, Hamling is getting prepared to strut his stuff on the biggest stage.
"At Geelong, I thought I never really got a chance to prove myself as a player," Hamling said.
"Coming to the Bulldogs we had a young side and I got my chance and I think I've taken it."
Both players will spend time on Swans spearhead Lance Franklin on Saturday and whether or not they can limit his impact will have a big say in the final result.
But Hamling is adamant it will take a concerted team effort as the Dogs eye their first premiership in 62 years.
"It won't be just Fletcher or I, it's going to take a big effort from the whole team to stop him," he said.
