The 2025 Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 Grand Final has finally arrived, and it promises to be a groundbreaking contest when Heidelberg faces Hurstbridge at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Heidelberg, finishing first on the ladder, will take on the fifth-placed underdogs in the big dance, with one leaving with the premiership glory.
As the reigning premiers and minor premiers, Heidelberg have built a reputation as the powerhouse of the competition.
Undefeated through the home-and-away season and winners of the last three grand finals, they come into the decider as the undisputed flag favourites.
Their Round 9 performance against Hurstbridge saw them come from behind in the first term and never look back to secure an impressive 50-point dominance on their home turf.
Defender James Nadalin was a standout that day, impacting at both ends of the ground with a goal under his belt, alongside Matthew Signorello and Tom Keys, who both delivered strong entries inside the forward 50.
With a wealth of experience, depth across every line, and a proven ability to rise on the big stage, Heidelberg will be determined to etch their name into history once again.
Yet standing in their way are the fifth-placed Hurstbridge, the underdogs who have turned a dream run into a ticket to the grand stage.
From a heartbreaking four-point elimination final loss in the 2024 season to this year’s remarkable surge into a Grand Final, Hurstbridge have shown resilience and growth.
In Round 18, their 24-point loss to Heidelberg proved they could push the reigning premiers, and they now have the chance to slam the door shut on Heidelberg’s power.
Joel Naylor was brilliant that day, nailing five majors for the Bridges, with the help of Liam Middleton, Cooper Perrin and Mitchell Wild, who all had stellar performances.
The Bridges continue to fly through the finale series following their 40-point supremacy over Greensborough in the Preliminary Final last Sunday that allowed them to sneak in the door.
Joel Naylor will be one of many for Heidelberg to keep under control after another five-goal performance, while not far behind, Harry O’Brien also slotted four for the Bridges.
Heidelberg are also riding off an unbelievable 92 point success against Greensborough in the first round of finals, asserting their authority once again.
Two key performers for the Tigers, Sam Gilmore and Luke Bunker, will both be a target for Hurstbridge as they provide drive through the midfield and scoring opportunities up forward.
Heidelberg’s Dylan Clarke and Zane Barzen will also be a huge threat with their tremendous influence up forward, both booting 4 goals each against the Borough.
With Hurstbridge being one of the sides to pose a threat to the flag favourites, it will be a highly anticipated showdown that pits a season-long dominance against an underdog story.
With premiership glory at stake neither side will hold back, leaving nothing in the tank and making every contest crucial.
As the final hurdle looms, tension and anticipation grip players and fans, with every kick, mark, and tackle carrying the weight of the season and the promise of premiership glory.
As teams strive to be etched in history, the winner will slam the door shut and claim the 2025 premiership.
