By Ben Drewe
Original story www.thechronicle.com.au/news/rivals-prepare-for-grand-final-battle/32221690
University is one win away from back-to-back AFL Darling Downs flags while Goondiwindi hunts its first premiership success in nearly 20 years.
They are the key story lines heading into Saturday's AFL Darling Downs division one grand final at Rockville Park.
University has had a strong season in its title defence having won the minor premiership on the way to making it through to a second-straight decider.
The Cougars also know they are the hunted rather than the hunter this time around.
"We spoke about that at the start of the year ... we were now going to be the hunted this year. So we had to lift our standard,” Uni coach Tony Bullen said.
Uni is fresh after earning the week off before the grand final and the Cougars are at full-strength.
They come up against a Goondiwindi side going into the decider on the back of a tough but momentous run.
The Hawks were in great form in the back end of the regular season and posted two outstanding finals wins over South Burnett and Coolaroo.
That has given them plenty of belief as the Hawks strive for their first premiership since 2000, especially after the preliminary final victory over Coolaroo.
"It was the best win I've ever had at the club and it's possibly up there with one of the best the club has had in the past 15 years,” Goondiwindi player-coach and Holman Medal winner David O'Toole said.
"We feel like we're on a bit of a roll now.”
UNIVERSITY: Joshua Mays, Shane Iles, Benjamin Tiller, Cory Balnaves, Ashley Harley, Tyhe Clarkson, Evan Cooper, Heath Gniel, Zac Flood, Mach Mach, Jackson Paynter, Blake Donovan, Ryan Hopkins, Ryan Colclough, Deng Arok, Mark Henning, Joshua Timmer, Sandy Mackay, Rick Mackay, Joel Bock, Luke Redenbach, Nigel Barrs, Samuel Cooper, Jett Templeton, Brendan Iles
GOONDIWINDI: Craig Langley, Andrew Langley, Michael Lynn, Jack Martin, Jeremy Leahy, Brent Townsend, Cameron Goulter, Steven Tapp, Brenton Jardine, Morgan Hindry, Xander Naismith, Bailey Soper, Joel Barr, Zachary Hague-Naismith, Daryl Martin, David O'Toole, Daniel Holcombe, Sam McNaughton, Jacob Harrison, Jono Lloyd, Alex McNaughton, Lance Arnold, Vincent White, Adam Scoble, Leon Allison
2017 head to head
Round 6: University Cougars 19.8 (112) def. Goondiwindi Hawks 4.2 (26)
Round 9: University Cougars 15.15 (105) def. Goondiwindi Hawks 1.8 (8)
Round 13: Goondiwindi Hawks 17.9 (111) def. University Cougars 5.12 (42)
Grand Finals head to head
1987 – University (Institute) def. Goondiwindi
1989 – University (Institute) def. Goondiwindi
1990 – University def. Goondiwindi
1991 – Goondiwindi def. University
1992 – University def. Goondiwindi
1994 – University 14.3 (87) def. Goondiwindi 7.3 (45)
1995 – Goondiwindi 11.8 (74) def. University 10.8 (68)
1996 – Goondiwindi 12.20 (92) def. University 12.9 (81)
1997 – University 11.3 (69) def. Goondiwindi 8.13 (13)
1998 – University 22.8 (140) def. Goondiwindi 9.4 (58)
Overall Premierships won
Goondiwindi = 7 (1980, 83, 91, 95, 96, 99, 2000)
University (Institute) = 12 (1978, 86, 87, 89, 90, 92, 94, 97, 98, 2006, 07, 16)
MATCH DETAILS - ALLIED PICKFORD'S CUP GRAND FINAL
University Cougars Vs. Goondiwindi Hawks
4:45pm
Rockville Park
FREE ENTRY!!!
Last Modified on 27/09/2017 09:27
