There are some striking similarities between the Norwood and Forestville Central ABL men’s programs of recent years.

Both Forestville’s Andy Simons and Norwood’s Rupert Sapwell entered their coaching careers with NBL playing experience, and many years of involvement in elite-level basketball. Both were highly regarded for their work ethic and determination on the court. Both took over Central ABL programs with high expectations.

Neither had a dream start to their coaching careers. In Andy Simons’ first year as Forestville head coach in 2004, the Eagles finished 6th, after struggling to integrate Paul Rees and Pero Vasiljevic into a group that lost Jason Dix with a knee injury. In Rupert Sapwell’s first year coaching Norwood in 2005, Norwood finished dead last, managing just three wins for the year.

Since then, they have never looked back. Forestville won a premiership in 2006 and haven’t finished lower than 3rd since 2004. Norwood went mere seconds away from a grand final berth in 2006 and were runners-up in 2007.

Kane Oakley and Matt Sutton give Forestville NBL experience in both the front court and back court, and the Eagles round out their starting five with former Woollacott medallist Scott Arnold and NBL hopefuls Peter Hoban and Brad Gerlach. Hoban in particular has had a stellar year, being selected in the league’s all-star 5 team, and while he was limited to just 4 points in the teams’ last matchup, he had 21 points and 20 rebounds in round 8 against the towering Norwood front court.

David Cooper is one of the most unassuming NBL players going around. Respected by coaches, teammates and opponents for his consistent work ethic, his presence in the Norwood program has been a big factor in their success. Another in that category is point guard Todd Matthews, who last Sunday finished 2nd in the Woollacott count by 2 votes for the 2nd time in a row. His ability to make the correct offensive read on an on-ball screen is second to none and Forestville’s aggressive “show and recover” defence in the semi final forced him into some even more aggressive splitting of the screen.

There should be great battles at all positions, but the power forward spot is the key. Keith Krause and Kane Oakley have the ability to score from inside and out and whichever has the better game could determine the outcome.