Tim Coyle
TIGERS' coach Tim Coyle is guarding against his side treating Friday's Sheffield Shield final as a fairytale finish to his and Ricky Ponting's careers.
With Coyle set to retire and Ponting remaining cagey about his future, the Bellerive Oval rematch of last season's final could bring the curtain down on two of Tasmania's greatest cricketing products.
But Coyle wants none of the limelight.
``To me it's not about any individual, shouldn't be and in our changing room it certainly isn't,'' he said.
``Whether the Shield final is my last game is not what it's all about, it's about doing the best thing for Tasmanian cricket and the group of players and all the people who work hard for Tasmanian cricket to get success.''
While Coyle is seeking his fifth domestic title, this season's leading Shield run-scorer Ponting is still chasing his first which he has frequently said is his one regret from a trophy-laden international career.
However, Coyle said the match against Queensland is about the team.
``It's a great cricket team. Even though we've had our ups and downs this season and last year missed out on two chances to win, they really stick together and when that opening is there for them to win a game they really go hard at it.
``There is a tremendous spirit within the team and it's great that we have another opportunity.''
The Tigers, who have won and lost the last two Shield finals, clinched this year's hosting rights with a tense 111-run victory over pacesetter Victoria to finish a roster season in which all states won four matches and were eventually separated by just four points.
Asked if a third Shield title would make him reconsider retiring, the former Launceston wicket-keeper added: ``It's nice to go out on a high, that's always a good way to go out.
``I'm still convinced it's the right time for me to move on and someone else to take over.
``If it ends with winning a Sheffield Shield well that'll be fantastic, it means I could celebrate for two months instead of just a week.''