2014 Mid West FL Grand Final
Reckoning Time Has Arrived
Pictured : Dale Montgomerie and Jared Sampson, Mail Medallists 2014. One will go one better adding a premiership medal, and they may even be direct opponents, quite a prospect
West Coast Hawks v Central Eyre
Grand Final time has arrived, there is no “next time”, no “another day”, and no “another chance”. Nothing further can be learned, too late to get fitter and those niggling injuries will just have to do. No doubt the two stand out teams over the season find themselves facing off for the final prize, and both have the firepower and talent to take this out.
Over the season head to head, four matches played, two wins each. For and against scores combined over the four games sees a paltry 15 point advantage to the Hawks, that is after 480 minutes of football and for some, over 1000 kms covered getting to and from these matches. The Hawks did get everyone’s attention with their convincing win in the second semi final two weeks ago, but that was a different place, and the stakes are way beyond that now.
It could be thought that perhaps the larger oval at Wudinna may suit the speedy Hawks, a game style very suited to the dryer Spring conditions, but the Hawks have lost both their Grand Finals at Wudinna, once to the Tigers in 2002, and then to Wirrulla in 2008, both times starting as clear favourites entering the game from the top of the table. Conversely, the Bulldogs have one Grand Final appearance at Wudinna, and one win, in 1988, significantly against Rovers, one of the clubs that became the Hawks in 1999.
Premierships, West Coast Hawks – seven, Central Eyre six, 1st and 2nd in Mid West FL. Hawks 10th consecutive Grand Final, Central Eyre 2nd consecutive. All finals played, Central Eyre 42 for 22 wins, Hawks 34 for 22 wins. What does all this mean for the players as they represent their patch on Saturday – NOTHING!
For all the great things and brave acts that have been undertaken to get their team here, it is Grand Finals that really make and break reputations, the big stage, everyone is watching and the pressure is so much more.
The Hawks are poised and confident, watching a torrid Preliminary Final from the safe side of the boundary as old foes Roosters and Bulldogs traded blows. Hawks will gain Aiden Whitford and also upon a positive test on a hamstring, Brenton Bascombe. Both huge gains! Everyone else from the 2nd Semi fit and available.
The story is not as warm and comforting for the coaching and training staff at the Bulldog kennel. Some what battered and bruised last week, there were gasps of disappointment when star mid fielder Jake Bruce over stretched his hamstring, ongoing concerns surround Lachlan Heath, Tyler Chapman, Jake Sampson, all soft tissue issues, Clint Winter ankle, Wade O Brien calf and Martin Grocke hip. It is expected/ hoped that all will front up, but not Jake Bruce, unless some miracle occurs! Miracles???? Word has it that a car load of dedicated players have made a journey to Adelaide to undertake a mystery alternate treatment under recommendation of a mystery contact. Short of revealing the technical detail, we will call it the Bamboo Torture Treatment, where the site of injury is repeatedly hit with bamboo sticks drawing bruising out and allowing for a shorter recovery period. A painful and ambitious option. Such underlines the extent that players will strive to achieve the heights of Grand Final glory.
To the Hawks, A fast and highly skilful midfield, Rucks Dylan Kelsh, Dale and Dillon Montgomerie are all current EP representatives, add to that the in form Nick Schumann, Kirk Montgomerie, Cameron Montgomerie and Dillon Cabot there is some real bite and options going through there. Forward keys will be Aiden Whitford, Darren Brown and Brenton Bascombe, although is the three talls what is needed for the deep pockets at Wudinna? The outstanding pace and fitness of Jake Mc Evoy and Joe Mc Innis, both young match winners, Joe missing last year due to a broken arm. Nathan Johnson loves these bigger matches and is always hard to hold. Defensively the Hawks are kings. Led by Derick Freeman, Tyson Montgomerie and Damien Johnson, their rebound is wonderful, strong in the air and on the ground. Good having the versatile Travis Brown back in the side and he is a true utility player. Around the edges, speed abounds, Corey Cabot, Kyle Tucker, Marc Mc Evoy and Jaxon Galliver all young and playing great football.
Bulldogs finished deservedly top and if not for a poor run on the injury front would be starting this game as a favourite. Jared Sampson was outstanding yet again last week, and changes around the centre included longer on ball periods for Ryan Sampson and John Mc Beath, both hard ball winners and suited to the tougher finals type game. Double teams in the ruck with Tim Polkinghorne and young Brett McComb, both having excellent years, Micah VanLoon and Clint Winter are dangerous, ball carriers and match breakers. Jake Sampson and Martin Grocke will spend spells in the middle but may need some nursing through. Kane Sampson on the wing provides strength and marking power, the old stallion still has quite a turn of speed. Wade O Brien is the leagues best go to forward, and good having Tom Freeth back as a marking forward. Hayden Heath is mobile, serving as a marking target but equally good on the ground. Defensively Ty Mc Kenna is the general, surrounded by strength with Jaseton Heath, Beau Lowe Mc Kenzie Stringer complete a strong unit. Assisted by the running power of Shaun Murphy and young Connor Dowden.
There is no doubt that on paper Central Eyre and the Hawks are well matched and this is bourne out by the little that separates them over the season. The venue will suit the game style of both clubs and if this wasn’t a grand final, could well be a shoot out. Grand Finals always have a higher level of defensive pressure so the players in the back half will be so important. The single biggest factor appears to be the injury issues at Centrals, they are scrambling to be at their best, and they will need to be against this opposition.
The Hawks start as a favourite here to go back to back, but often sides facing adversity such as Centrals over the past month lift themselves to greater heights. If they do manage to get up this week it would be a victory never ever forgotten.
Last Modified on 12/09/2014 10:01