By Travis Parnaby
Port Melbourne and North Ballarat can each carve a unique slice of history when they meet to decide the 2008 VFL premiership on Friday at Telstra Dome.
The battle pits the season's best two sides against each other in the first ever VFL Grand Final under lights and at the Telstra Dome.
The Borough will head into the match as favourites, owing to its minor premiership and a gutsy 21-point preliminary final win over old foe Williamstown.
But expect a real challenge from North Ballarat, who overcame a gallant Werribee Tigers in the second preliminary final.
The Borough's first year coach Gary Ayres will lock horns with wily Rooster mentor Gerard Fitzgerald, who has coached in three VFL grand finals.
FitzGerald's last decider was a loss to Sandrningham in 2004 as coach of Port Melbourne. He has coached North Ballarat to grand finals in 1999 and 2000 but like his club, is yet to taste the ultimate VFL success.
The Roosters will be lead into battle by tireless full-back Shaune Moloney, who will be thrilled to be amongst the action following an injury interrupted year. He will most likely get the tough job of containing the Borough's bullocking, key forward Adrian Bonaddio (55 goals in 2008).
Other Rooster stars to lookout for include gifted and much-improved onballer Brett Goodes, who polled 14 votes in the J.J. Liston Trophy count and reliable big man Orren Stephenson, whose tapwork gets North Ballarat rolling in the middle.
Ayres' dream season could end in a fairytale on Friday night. He has lifted the Borough from ousted semi-finalist last year to possible premier in just his first year at the helm.
Captain Luke Cotchett is a guiding presence for his teammates and he has the ability to play much taller than his 180cm suggests.
Ayres will rely on the talents of dangerous forward Robin Nahas (49 goals) and the incomparable John Baird, whose height, slick skills and big tank make him a versatile weapon across the midfield, in defence or in attack.
History will be etched at the 2008 VFL Grand Final and be sure to secure your ticket through www.ticketmaster.com.au or at the gate.
Port Melbourne faces North Ballarat in Friday's VFL Grand Final at Telstra Dome at 7.40pm. The TAC Cup Grand Final will kick off a massive Celebration of Victorian Football at 4pm.
Last Modified on 13/01/2009 18:05