2010 Division One Grand Final Preview
By Adam Lux
The WRFL Division One Grand Final promises to be a ripper. For a long time it has seemed that Spotswood had a stranglehold on the premiership cup, but two weeks ago the competition became a little shook up. Albion, a team who at times early in the season looked no certainty to even make the finals, all of a sudden has emerged as a genuine threat. They did it with a 34-point semi-final victory over the favourites a fortnight ago and the manner of the victory, as much as the margin, certainly suggests that they are capable of doing it again. The Cat forward line has become as exciting a unit as there is in the WRFL. Steven Pearce, the former Braybrook star, has straightened the team with his hard and direct leads and has proven the perfect foil for outstanding young forward Shaydon Bloomfield, who has electrified the competition in a 90+-goal season. His marking ability for a smaller player and dexterity are superb. Another youngster, Todd Finco, is a human highlight reel and binding the group is James Stephens, who has had a wonderful year as a hard-working centre-half forward. James Philpot, the Albion ruckman, has had a terrific second half of the year and been a big part of the team’s revival and Daniel Bonnici, Brad Hewat and Jamie Watts form a blue collar but very effective midfield, supported by youngsters Sam Stephens and James Thompson and the speedster Marcus Smith. As much as any area, though, defence has provided the foundation. Glenn Manton has been an extraordinary influence on the back six with his leadership and reading of the play and John Haldane has benefited and arguably this has been his finest year at full back – the Albion team is proficient in all areas and a worthy challenger to the might of Spotswood.
The Woodsmen remain a fantastic team and despite its defeat two weeks ago will probably start the favourite. Flexing its muscles last week, it smashed and the team looked very much back to its best. Lachie McGhie is a terrific ruckman and his duel with Philpot will be critical, as will the output of star Spotswood midfielders Chris O’Keefe, Mick Lewis, Luke Sinnott and Ben Kelly. Up forward, Mark Keenan and Luke Molan will be relied upon for goals and will have crucial matchups with Albion defenders Haldane, Manton and perhaps Blake Richards, who has found a role as a rebounding key defender. Defence is where Spotswood battled last time against Albion and how they deal with the dynamic Albion forward line will be extremely interesting. The Woodsmen have an elite key defender in Daniel Mangan and a very solid half-back flanker in Ryan Noye. Joel Salmond has become a much-improved player and tough-as-teak back pocket-cum-midfielder Chase Morgan may get another crack at Bloomfield. Big Ray Jensen could also play an important role down back.
Last Modified on 10/09/2010 16:06