Well, after another year it comes down to this, the Grand Final.
In all grades there doesn’t appear to be a definite winner, and on the big stage nothing is ever certain. Whilst some teams will go in expected to win, the underdog faces no pressure and has everything to gain.
We will look at all the games we have on this weekend; it should be a great day.
UNDER 13’S – BITS VS GLADSTONE
These two teams have shared a close rivalry all year. There has been barely anything separating the sides, and it will go right down to the wire today.
They have met twice over the past month, both games going the way of BITS. In the last of the home and away season games the Muddies were beaten by a single point, whilst a week later BITS got home by 9 points to earn their way straight into the Grand Final.
It really could go either way – expect Ben Floyd up forward for BITS lead the way, whilst Ben Dempsey from the Muddies will be doing everything he can to inspire his teammates.
UNDER 15’S – YEPPOON VS GLENMORE
The Yeppoon side will enter the game hot favourite, going through the season undefeated so far and winning the 2nd semi final by 31 points. However, Glenmore will be able to have one last crack at beating Yeppoon, the only team the Bulls have lost to this year.
Although the Swans have proven too strong in previous games, the Bulls managed to get within 5 points of them during the year. If they can be close in the contest today then anything can happen in the final quarter of a Grand Final.
UNDER 17’S – GLADSTONE VS YEPPOON
This game could well be the clash of the day. Up until these sides played in the first final, Yeppoon had gone through the year undefeated. The Muddies trailed for most of the game, only to steal the lead late and get home by a point.
The Swans will be desperate to get their revenge today, seeking the win that the Muddies stole from them last time they met. It really will be a hard fought game, nothing will be left on the sidelines.
The two sides arguably have the greatest amount of junior talent in the league. Both teams have had players showing the way in the A Grade competition all year. Luke Lambart, Leigh Cossens and James Royes will be looking to put their stamp on the game for the Swans whilst Aiden Hearn, Rusty Parnaby and Jack Byrne should star for the Muddies.
If Cameron O’Grady can fire for the Muddies then Yeppoon could be in trouble. The full forward has kicked well over 100 goals in the competition and will be looking to add to the tally today.
B GRADE – BITS VS BROTHERS
BITS will be hoping to bring home the cup in an enthralling clash. They have had the week off and should be fresh to take on Brothers who had a bruising match with Yeppoon last weekend.
BITS enter the game as favourites, having a number of players in the side with senior experience. However, with the depth that Brothers currently have at the club, their will be a number of players who miss out for A Grade who will be invaluable to the Brothers side.
Dan Shea will be looking to display some of the form which won him the League B&F award for BITS whilst Ryan Spellman and Duane Adams are two players with senior experience for Brothers who will need to be at their best if Brothers are to cause an upset.
A GRADE – BROTHERS VS BITS
Brothers deserve to go into this clash warm favourite. They have been unbeatable after the opening two rounds this year, with class all over the ground. Their ability to rotate their midfielders is their key; however those at both ends of the grounds are arguably as good.
Aiden Colbourne with 71 goals is their obvious avenue to goal, whilst Dave Brady will be looking to attract the ball at centre-half forward. At the other they have experience with Adam Williams and Scott Smithwick holding down the key positions, they will make life difficult for the opposition forwards.
The Brothers side is also boosted by the return of at least three players from the side that won the 2nd semi final, none more important than star midfielder Charlie Ampt.
Whilst BITS were defeated in the Grand Final last year, they will have to be at their absolute best if they are to avoid a repeat performance this year. They snuck into the finals and have played very good football in both their games to deserve their chance today.
To say that they require a big haul from full forward John Beirouti is an understatement. He is their barometer, when he is up and about they play with confidence and the crowd gets behind them. He will need to kick at least six goals if they are to be any chance, a hard task given Williams will most likely be playing on him all day.
The other key area is the midfield, an area BITS has been on top during the finals. Hunt, Caveny and Hogg have all played well so far, yet it will count for nothing if they can’t perform today.
Expect an absolute beauty; if Brothers can play their best football then they should be too strong for BITS.