The stage is set for a classic Go Tafe GVFL grand final between Benalla and the Shepparton Swans at Deakin Reserve today.
This is a promoter’s dream with the undefeated Benalla Saints hoping to become premiers and champions for the first time in GVFL history, while the Swans are after premiership glory for the first time in 44 years.
It’s almost as long for the Saints since they experienced senior premiership success back in 1973 in the Ovens and Murray League. The Saints re-entered the GVFL in 1998 and played off for the flag in 2006 when they were beaten by Seymour.
Of course no one needs reminding last season they went out in straights sets in the finals and this season have already gone two wins better and made the granny.
The Professor, Luke MORGAN has the Class of 2014 primed and ready to give the Swans their best shot which they will need to produce because the Swans have their best chance in years to win the flag.
There was nothing in the qualifying final at Mansfield which the Saints and the Swans will well remember and today’s game is likely to come down to which team takes to the field in the best condition.
The Saints will benefit from the week’s spell and the fact Morrison Medallist, Will MARTINIELLO will return to the field of play and provide drive from the middle.
However, the same can’t be said about the Swans who had two obvious injuries occur during Sunday’s preliminary final at The D.
Ball magnet, Tyson SIDEBOTTOM looked to be battling a leg injury and ace defender, Dan LOVICK copped a couple of heavy knocks, while other Swans will still be feeling the effects of a tough physical encounter against Kyabram.
But don’t judge “Sidey” on appearance, as one of his team mates said, “He’ll be right, he always looks like that.”
Right across the field there will be many enthralling match ups with Morgan, captain James MARTINIELLO, Al JACKA, Nick and Josh MELLINGTON, Lachlan SMITH, Nick WARNOCK, Jordan WOLFF and their team mates ready to put pressure on the Swans from the opening bounce.
However, the Swans won’t walk away without a fight with many GVFL supporters, outside the two competing clubs, backing the Swans in to win the flag.
Mitchell BELL, Jamason DANIELS, BJ SQUIRE, Tom PREECE, Alex OVERS will do their best to get the ball down quickly to Brodie A’VARD, Justin MADDERN and Kaiden ANTONOWICZ to kick a winning score.
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 19:42