LALOR and Whittlesea converge on Preston City Oval for one of the most anticipated Division 2 grand finals in recent years.
It’s fair to say that both the Bloods and the Eagles have the best balanced sides in the competition this year, with star power on every line and the ability to produce devastating football at their very best.
A quick look at their fixtures in season 2015 shows that, if the conditions suit, we could be in for an old-fashioned grand final shootout which could go right down to the wire.
Lalor is aiming for its first premiership success since its famous 2007 triumph over Macleod, and is also looking to complete a remarkable turnaround from a torrid four-win season in 2013.
The Bloods have been rejuvenated by the injection of life and new recruits under coach Steven Marshall over the past two seasons, creating arguably the most formidable side in the competition.
A glance at their midfield suggests plenty of star power, big bodies and outside speed, with a bit of class gliding in through opposite flanks.
Shane Jacobs has shown the NFL community exactly why he is one of the Division 2 competition best and fairest favourites, taking control of many games with his imposing frame and clearance power.
Ben Curtiss and Scott Dowell have provided Jacobs with plenty of support across the middle of the ground this year.
If he hadn’t before the finals series, it’s safe to say Harley Ryan stamped his authority on the competition on the biggest stage in the second semi final win, comfortably best on ground.
He, along with Jarrod King, are keys to providing Lalor drive out of defence and both are crucial to their club’s hopes of premiership success.
Meantime, the likes of Jason Dowell and Scott Morrison will have their hands full with Whittlesea’s multi-pronged forward line – having shown throughout the season they are more than capable of being up to the task.
Up forward, however, Lalor also boasts a forward line tour de force. Although Todd Hughes was well held by Tony Heron in the second semi final win over Hurstbridge, he has still booted 77 goals in season 2015, with captain Shannon Smith also hitting the scoreboard with authority.
Nick Mafilovski – best on ground in the 2007 decider – and Nick Sandy have not been on the park too much this year, but are in the team at the right time and benefit from not being manned by the No.1 defender from the opposition.
Moving on to Whittlesea, who is not only fighting for its third premiership in six seasons, but for the second time in three years the Eagles will have all three teams fighting for Division 2 premiership success.
With a host of younger players making their mark on the competition, it has been an impressive achievement from the Eagles to make it this far with a bullet.
So far the Eagles have recorded convincing finals wins over the dangerous Fitzroy Stars, and overcome a fierce first half challenge to score a six-goal victory over Hurstbridge last week.
The Eagles were also able to welcome back ruckman Nathan Stefanile and key defender Dale Saddington in the preliminary final, providing them with one of their best sides at the right time of the year.
The rotation of captain Andrew Fairchild between the midfield and forward line since 2014 has paid dividends – particularly this season – and adds an air of unpredictability to a forward line which has seen them become the highest-scoring side in the competition.
Whittlesea’s midfield has been able to hit the scoreboard regularly this year, with the likes of Max Dyson, Ben Russell, Brenton Briffa, Riley Dyson and Matthew Atta kicking 10 or more goals this season.
The experience of Daniel Sage has also helped to push Whittlesea’s premiership credentials in recent weeks.
The Eagles’ backline has been defined by many improving players, as well as younger players who have made their mark in the side in season 2015. The experience of Saddington, however, will be crucial in nullifying Lalor’s dangerous forward line.
Paul Higgins has enjoyed a breakthrough season, and was crucial in the sides’ last meeting when he was shifted onto Todd Hughes.
Jordan Ormerod has been one of the most improved players in the competition, proving to be a very reliable back-pocket and on-ball player throughout 2015, while the likes of Todd Behan and Nathan Andrews have had good second halves of the season.
Fairchild’s partner in crime up forward this season has proven to be Janan Daniel. Daniel has made a prominent impact, averaging more than two goals a game.
Matt Dornauf and Nick Horman have also been frequent contributors this year, combining for over 50 goals.
Despite Lalor topping the ladder, Whittlesea has won all three encounters between the sides this year, although all have been decided very late in proceedings.
In Round 6, a Fairchild-inspired Whittlesea was able to edge the Bloods’ by 15 points after overhauling a half time deficit.
The Eagles were able to hold off a second half Lalor charge in Round 11’s return fixture at Lalor Reserve, winning by 14 points.
The third fixture, in Round 15, proved to be one of the games of the year, as the two sides went goal for goal before a late Nathan Stefanile major propelled the Eagles to a nine-point victory.
Come 5:00 this Saturday afternoon, the final spot in Division 1 in 2016 will be settled. Will it be the Bloods or the Eagles who take their place amongst the NFL’s elite next year?
RADIO: A live radio broadcast of the Division 2 grand final between Lalor and Whittlesea from Preston City Oval can be heard on 88.6 Plenty Valley FM.
DOWNLOAD: A high-definition digital download of the game can be purchased at www.northernfl.tv from Thursday. The price of the digital copy is $22.00.
