James Szabo takes a look at the Division 2 and 3 VWFL Grand Finals this weekend.
DIVISION TWO
Ultimate glory is up for grabs this Sunday, in the Division Two Grand Final between VU Western Spurs and Seaford.
The Spurs go into the clash as slight favourites, after finishing above Seaford on the ladder and coming into the game fresh after a week off.
The side’s journey to the Grand Final started after ending the season in second place and overcoming minor premiers Chirnside Park in the Semi Final two weeks ago.
The Spurs were helped by some strong performances from Ashlea Block, Meghan Moloney, Madison Lister, Jasmine Maljevac, Jessica Bartolo and Brooke Eley in the Semi Final, and those players will be expected to shine again if they are to lift the cup after the final siren.
Yasmin Speekman, Hannah Elliot and Jessica Heath are also ones to look out for, after their impressive seasons.
While the Spurs are expected to come up on top this Sunday, they will need to perform at their very best after defeating their upcoming opponents by just three points the last time they met.
Seaford, who finished in third place, will be extra dangerous this time around, after defeating their Elimination Final opponents by 46 points two weeks ago. The Tigerettes then booked their spot for a chance at the flag with a three-goal win against Chirnside Park in the Preliminary Final.
Alice Rogers, Claire Weiss, Teagan Sheldon, Naomi Brisbane, Tamara Peck and Jessica Wade all played well for Seaford last week.
Those stars, as well as Kaea Tua, Melanie Carroll and Grace Hollingsworth – who were consistent performers all year – will need to step up this week if they wish are to achieve the ultimate prize.
The game is set to be a tight, intense contest and one not to be missed for any football fan.
The match starts from 2.30PM this Sunday, 21 August at Coburg City Oval and will be live video streamed on the VWFL website HERE.
DIVISION THREE
Fitzroy – ACU will have the chance to complete a fairy-tale premiership upset against Gippsland this weekend, in the Division Three Grand Final.
Fitzroy go head to head with the un-defeated powerhouse this Saturday, after finishing third on the ladder and winning two cutthroat finals games.
The side won their first Elimination final against SKOB Saints by 33-points, before defeating AJAX by five goals in the Preliminary Final.
Elizabeth Olney, Jane Gibson, Tash Ross-Harris, Alexandra Monacella, Ashleigh Riddell and Lauren Atkinson were the best players for Fitzroy-ACU last week and will need to repeat their efforts in the Grand Final for a chance at the flag. They’ll also look towards Gabrielle Livy and Sarah Lynas, who were some of their most consistent performers for the year.
Gippsland have hardly put a foot wrong this season, after winning every one of their ten games and disposing of AJAX in their Semi Final two weeks ago to secure a place in the Grand Final.
The 105-point victory over AJAX was made easier by the performances from Nicole Garner, Alex Gallatly, Sarah Jolly, Tayla Tatterson, Fiona Morrow and Lynette Patten.
Emily Jolly, Kimberley Cunico and Shani Dixon’s consistency has also contributed to the 11-game winning streak, as well as Sarah Jolly and Rachel Drenen’s 71-goal partnership throughout the season.
If they perform at their best this weekend, it’s hard to see them losing the ultimate prize.
Gippsland will also be hoping for a repeat effort of the last two times these sides met, with a 130-point win back in Round 1 and then a five goal victory in Round 8.
The game starts from 7.30PM this Saturday, 20 August at Shepley Oval and will be live video streamed on the VWFL website HERE.
Last Modified on 19/08/2016 13:32