By Ken Moore
THE reigning premiers Cora Lynn will enter their fourth consecutive grand final when they shape up to Nar Nar Goon. The game promises to be a beauty. The Cobras will enter favourites after brushing aside Catani in the second semi final by over 10 goals.
Furthermore they are likely to be bolstered depth-wise with the likely inclusion of star senior spearhead Ryan Donaldson, who was overlooked for a senior spot last week.
Cora Lynn has a wealth of talent, experience and youth. Rover Nick Helsby, Pat Venville and Luke Foreman have been core players in the team all season and are likely to play a big role again.
Meanwhile ruckman Peter McEwan, defender Lee Dowsett and forward Kris Johnson, if unlucky to miss a senior berth will be out to show they are footballers more than capable to mix it at senior level. Experienced forward Cameron Haynes and spring-heeled ruckman-cum forward John Nichols are also more than handy forward targets.
Nar Nar Goon will want to win desperately to send off club stalwarts Blair Lidstone, Al Petrov, Grant Close and Scott Murphy, who have all said this is going to be their final appearance in the blue and white hooped jumper after a long and distinguished career. Goon midfielders Steve Hobson, Craig Lewis, ruckman Travis Simpkin and reliable defender Brenton Ellett can be expected to offer plenty of resistance.
But the sheer class and depth of the Cobras, who have won an amazing 75 of their last 80 games should hold the premiership cup aloft at the end of the game.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Thirds
Some of the brightest young talent in the league will feature in the U/18 grand final between Bunyip and Longwarry. The Bulldogs will enter red-hot favourites after smashing Nar Nar Goon by 55 points in the second semi-final.
Bunyip will field many players who have impressed at senior level this season led by key forward Chris Chilcott.
Captain Jake Buckingham, rover Harry O’Neil and vice captain Ash Walker are all fine youngsters likely to make a big impact if not closely marked.
Longwarry also have plenty of talent destined to play long senior careers led by midfielders Josh Bourke, Dylan and Rhys Holland while Dylan Serong, Jeb McLeod and Jason Wells are others to catch the eye this season. Hard to go past Bunyip, who should win by around 20 points.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Fourths
In the U/15s Nar Nar Goon will side up against Neerim Neerim South. Nar Nar Goon will be favourites after beating Neerim by 11 points in the second semi-final.
For the Goon, keep an eye on Brendan Hermann, Matt Kemmink and Jordan Riley while for the Cats Kody Wilson, Joel Whitford and Tom Muir are youngsters to watch.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Fifths
The U/13s will see a rematch between the second semi-finalist Kooweerup and Catani.
The Demons have been the trendsetters all season and worthy favourites but will have a few concerns because they only got over the line last time against the Blues by nine points.
For Kooweerup Jesse Hand, runner-up in the league best and fairest is a player to keep an eye on and for Catani Jesse Rosse, Kristopher Sabbatucci and ruckman Tom Kent are likely to be prime movers based on this season’s form.
