Four formidable teams in the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 season will square off this weekend, kicking off the opening round of the finals series at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Heidelberg, Greensborough, Banyule, Montmorency, and Hurstbridge have all put together impressive seasons, earning their place in the finals and heading in with plenty of momentum.
Greensborough and Banyule will both feature in the Qualifying Final this Saturday afternoon, with the victor to play the reigning premiers, Heidelberg, in next week’s Second Semi Final.
It’s a fitting final between the second and third-placed teams on the ladder, with both clubs enjoying stellar seasons and finishing with identical win-loss records.
This weekend marks the Bears’ first-ever finals series appearance in Division 1, a year after falling just short of playing finals.
The first time these two sides clashed in 2025 was back in Round 2, which saw Banyule continue their roaring start to the season with a 15-point triumph at War Memorial Park.
In Damian Truslove’s second game as the Bears senior men’s coach, his men sustained a short lead the entire match with midfielders Noah Wheeler and Kye Yodgee making a strong impact.
Wheeler has continued his impressive season and will be vital for the Bears with his physicality and talent during the finale series.
The tables turned the next time the Bears and Borough took the stage at Beverly Road Oval in Round 11.
Throughout the match it was neck and neck, until the final quarter where Greensborough broke the game open, turning a 14-point lead at three-quarter time into a commanding 51-point victory.
Riding off the beginning of their long run of wins, Nathan Howard and Jack Johnston were just too good for the Bears.
Tyler Dixon, Jamie Smith and Rayden Garrard all outclassed in the forward line, with three goals tallied to each of them.
Both sides managed success in Round 18, but the Bears picked up a few injuries last week that could jeopardise their chances of securing a comfortable spot in the first semi-final.
Meanwhile, Montmorency and Hurstbridge will fight to keep their season alive in Sunday’s Elimination Final.
The evenly matched Magpies and Bridges have fought out two tightly contested battles this season, each side winning on their home turf.
Round 8, their first meeting, saw Nick Rutley’s men leave with a win after a back-and-forth contest that wasn’t decided until the final minutes.
Ben Paterson and Marcus Lentini both assisted with the Magpies comeback from an 18-point deficit, booting seven majors in the last term and bringing them to victory.
Lentini has continued to shine all season, already accumulating 40 coaches votes by Round 8 while playing a key role for Montmorency.
Carlton VFL-listed ruckman, Flynn Riley, is also expected to play a big role guiding the Magpies into finals.
Like Banyule and Greensborough, Hurstbridge gained the upper hand in Round 17, overcoming Montmorency in a hard-fought seven-point win.
Blake Fitzgerald dominated on the field, in support of the vice-captain Mitchell Moschetti and Cooper Perrin, both booting two majors.
Montmorency will enter finals in commanding form following their 73-point triumph against West-Preston Lakeside.
Hurstbridge will also approach with momentum, after their narrow 24-point margin against the reigning premiers, proving they can match it with the best.
The winner of the two will continue to battle their way to the top, while the sidelined team will see their finals hopes end.
