NORTH Bendigo captain Jordan Ford is aiming to join an elite club in today's Heathcote District Football League seniors grand final clash with Lockington-Bamawm United.
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It's more than being a premiership captain that he will use as motivation throughout the Dogs battle with the Cats at Huntly.
At North Bendigo there are few father-son premiership combinations.
Win today and Jordan Ford joins his father Garry as a premiership player.
Back in '77, a then 17-year-old Garry Ford played on a half-forward flank as North won the Golden City Football League's grand final against Northern United.
The Bulldogs' No.1 ruckman for today's clash, Tony Plim is the son of John Plim, captain-coach at North 37 years ago.
For many seasons the Ford's have ridden footy's highs and lows, predominantly at North Bendigo.
Jordan's first hit-out in a senior grand final was two years ago against LBU.
Two years on and the pain of that defeat still stings.
The euphoria for Garry after the grand final victory in '77 was followed by two grand final losses.
In his second season as captain and fourth at North, Jordan Ford said defensive mindset and greater discipline had been two areas the team had worked at all season.
"Running both ways is something we have improved at a lot."
He said co-coaches Rob Bennett and Neville Massina played a big part in the on-field success, as did previous coach Damien Lock.
"Bomber (Bennett) is the motivator and Nev is more about tactics, but they work extremely well together.
"Locky also deserves a lot of credit for what he did for the club the past couple of years."
The way footy is played has changed dramatically since Garry's playing days in the late 70s and through the 80s, with flexibility a key in North's run to another grand final.
What has not changed is the importance of winning contests and capitalising on possession.
Garry Ford's season in '77 began by playing in the under-18s in the morning and then being 19th man in the seniors.
"The grand final was only the third match that year I started on the ground.
"By half-time my match was over after injuring a shoulder."
The premiership link for the Ford's kicked off with Frank in the 30s and was later joined by Reg, Ron and Garry.
By Saturday night, Jordan's name could be in the chain. .
