For the second consecutive year and the sixth time since 2004, Heidelberg and Bundoora will meet in the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 Grand Final in what looks set to be an enthralling contest.
They’ve also become well acquainted with one another since the beginning of 2022. Meeting on seven occasions, but the Tigers have won all seven games, including the last two matches by 58 and 78 points.
The minor premiers go into this game as heavy favourites not just for that record, but also for having picked up the pace since their thrilling draw with Montmorency back in Round 12.
From that day onwards, they’ve surpassed the 100-point barrier on all but one occasion and have only conceded 10 or more goals twice.
Matthew Smith continues to reign supreme in midfield, being named as his side’s best in four of the last five games whilst also kicking five goals in the previous fortnight. It’s strong form to come into a Grand Final with and for a player that picked up last year’s best on ground medallion, another terrific display could see him do so again.
Recently crowned Frank Rosbrook Medallist Lachlan Wilson loves Grand Final day and will no doubt look to produce a stellar performance in the hopes of claiming his third premiership with the Tigers.
They’ve also got weapons at both ends of the ground. Zane Barzen and Brayden Sier have impressed immensely in the front half and have combined for 76 goals in 2023.
Kennan Posar meanwhile has the led the way down back to help the Tigers be the only side not to concede more than 900 points in the home and away campaign. With last year’s Team of the Year defender Daniel O’Dwyer sure to provide plenty of support, it could be the area, as highlighted by coach Vin Dattoli this week, that decides this contest.
Judging by all of the above, it’s hard to see Heidelberg finish Saturday in any other position than premiers, however, after a scintillating preliminary final performance last week, Bundoora look hungry for revenge.
The Bulls put together one of their best performances in recent history last Sunday with an 87-point thumping over North Heidelberg, and it’s an effort they will need to replicate again if they are to claim their first premiership since 2017.
A key player the Bulls will look to on Saturday will no doubt be Hamish Shepheard. He dominated in last week’s victory and has an impressive ability of winning the ball or giving his midfielders first use. His contest with Sam Gilmore will be a mouth-watering one.
Speaking of midfielders, this group will be just as critical for Bundoora. Jake Hobbs, Luke Collins and Kain Proctor have all had excellent matches throughout the 2023 season, and it will need to all come together against a talented Heidelberg midfield.
As they did against the Bulldogs, the Bulls’ forwards will aim to stretch the Tigers defence.
Shaun McKernan, John Jorgensen and Peter McEvoy kicked 11 majors between them in the preliminary final victory, and if the trio have their way early and combine for a big score again, it might be enough to see Michael Ryan’s men claim premiership success.
Jackson Bowne will too look to be influential off half back and coming off the back of an arguably best on ground performance last week, he will be confident to use his run and dash to great effect come Saturday. His defensive teammate Lachlan East has been in stellar form and will be one to watch.
In conditions that look much more promising than they were 12 months ago, Bundoora will give themselves every chance to knock off the reigning premiers and return to the top of the tree. But Heidelberg’s best is a scary proposition for any opponent and if they show enough of that on Saturday, a 22nd NFNL premiership will be heading to Warringal Park.
