KEY forward Sam Weideman says he can’t speak highly enough of the Melbourne and Casey alignment.

Weideman said he couldn’t wait for Sunday’s Grand Final against Footscray at Etihad Stadium, adding that playing in a potential premiership would be an incredible experience. 

“It’s a really special feeling and it really means a lot to me to be playing in a Grand Final, because the opportunity doesn’t come around very often,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“I’ve only played in one Grand Final in my junior career and it’s going to be great playing on Sunday, especially with a great bunch of boys at Casey – we’ve all become really close, so we’d love it if we can go to the ultimate level and win a flag.

“There haven’t been a lot of changes to the team and we’ve grown really tight and we can’t wait to get into it on Sunday.”

Weideman said he couldn’t have asked for a better first year at Melbourne.

“I have loved this year. Playing in the VFL was really, really good for me,” he said.

“It’s such a high standard and I was lucky enough to play some reasonably good footy at the start of the year and through the middle part and then play a few AFL games and it was an amazing feeling.

“That Hawthorn win in [round 20] in my first game will stay with me forever and it was probably one of the best days of my life actually. The next couple of games didn’t go to plan, but we’ll build on that next year.

“But upon reflection, I have loved this year and I can’t wait to get stuck into it next year.”

Although Weideman said it had been a big first year, he was eager to give everything in his last match for 2016. From there, he’s looking forward to a good break in the off-season, before having a big pre-season.

“It’s going to be crucial in my footy next year – just getting fitter,” he said.

“I need to get stronger, so I can compete better.

“I’m looking forward to this Sunday and then I’ll have a well-earned break like the rest of the boys.”