The two best sides in the 2024 edition of the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 competition are set to battle in a highly anticipated Grand Final at Preston City Oval this Saturday.
It’s been 16 years since Heidelberg and Montmorency last met in a top flight decider, a day which saw the Tigers make it three consecutive premierships with a 22-point victory.
That’s a telling omen for Vin Dattoli’s men, who will look to replicate the efforts of that famous Heidelberg side and create some more history of their own this weekend.
The reigning premiers have barely put a foot wrong in their chase for more silverware in 2024, having gone down in just one of their 19 games this season.
They’re the best defensive side in the competition and only gave up five goals in their second semi-final win over Montmorency. It’s an effort that’s been led by captain Keenan Posar and star full back Daniel O’Dwyer, with their ability to shut down the division’s best forwards a key factor behind their side’s impressive defensive displays.
Ben De Bolfo has also shone bright in the backline since coming into the side in Round 8. The Box Hill VFL listed defender was another named in his side’s best in their recent finals win, and also has the ability to move up forward to provide another inside 50 target.
Speaking of that area of the ground, Heidelberg are also the best attacking team in the competition, where only twice this year have they failed to kick 12 or more goals in a match.
Zane Barzen is still the side’s leading goalkicker despite playing just 13 home and away games. The crafty forward has kicked multiple goals in his last five matches but has only kicked three goals combined his two battles with Montmorency this season.
An x-factor to keep an eye out for in the front half is Jack Andrew, as despite being held goalless a fortnight ago, he has proven to be a reliable goalkicker when called upon. He has booted three majors or more in six of his 13 senior appearances this season.
This is all while not even mentioning last night’s Frank Rosbrook Medallist Tom Keys, who can play any position on the ground and still have a telling impact.
With all the above being said, on top of the fact that they have won five straight games at Preston City Oval, it would be easy to tip Heidelberg by a considerable margin.
But they will face a determined Montmorency outfit who are motivated to break a 45-year senior men’s premiership drought.
It looked trending towards another dire finals exit at quarter time of last week’s preliminary final when they trailed Greensborough by 21 points. However they were able to slowly claw their way back and after hitting the front in the final term, they held on for a famous two-point victory.
The win was only their fourth finals triumph in their last 20 finals, but Nick Rutley looks to be a coach that is eager to change the narrative that has prevented the Magpies from premiership success in the senior men’s competition.
Montmorency’s defensive qualities were showcased in their win last week and have proven they have the ability to shut down the Tigers’ potent forward line.
Billy Jenkin personified this trait, with his intercept marking, and excellent defensive positioning, ensuring his side only conceded three more goals after quarter time last Sunday.
Jenkin looks to be key again this weekend, but whether he will have his captain Stefan Uzelac beside him is the big question on everyone’s lips.
The star Magpie missed the preliminary final due to injury, and despite his side prevailing over the Boro, his presence on and off the field can’t be understated, highlighted by the fact he has been named in his side’s best in 14 of 19 games.
Games are not won based off one player, but Uzelac’s availability looks to have a big impact on the result of this contest.
In the forward line, Lachy Batchelor and Ben Paterson stood up when it was required, to help the side get over the line last week. The pair kicked three majors apiece and were influential both in the air and at ground level.
Expect the duo to shine again on the weekend, particulary Paterson who was the match winner in his last Grand Final appearance with Lower Plenty in 2018, however they’ll want more out of Ayhan Bajramov who has kicked two goals in his previous six games.
Another name to keep a close watch on is Patrick Fitzgerald. Their star leading goalkicker did not feature for the Magpies in the preliminary final and should he return to the team on Saturday, he will be the only player that featured in the club’s last senior men’s Grand Final 11 years ago.
As obvious as it may sound, the midfield battle in this contest can also direct how this game will play out.
Coaches MVP Luke Bunker and star midfielder Dylan Clarke have been some of Vin Dattoli’s most consistent contributors in 2024 and have a great ability of winning the football at the coalface.
They match up against an equally impactful duo in Nash Holmes and Marcus Lentini, with both men always leading the way in gaining meaningful clearances for their side at stoppages.
The Magpies are yet to defeat the Tigers so far this year, losing by one point, 28 points and 32 points in their three meetings this season.
However, they have defeated the Tigers twice since 2022 and have been the only side to have won multiple games against them in two and half years.
With history to be made either way, Saturday is set to be a thrilling conclusion to another successful NFNL season.
