For the Northern Football League and Essendon District Football League it must be tempting to look 12 months ahead.
Win on Saturday in the Metro Championships 3 v 4 play-off and this time next year they could be fighting for the right to be hailed the best community football league in Melbourne.
But first, they must battle one another in what is shaping as an epic encounter at Visy Park this Saturday.
With so much on the line for these close neighbours, the build-up has been entertaining to say the least.
Rumours that both camps were paying their players to participate have been laughed off by league chiefs, but demonstrate the level of interest in the competitions’ respective fans.
As the third-ranked league, the EDFL has picked a strong squad as they look to maintain an edge over their rivals.
A two-pronged attack and a star-studded midfield, blessed with the balance of ball winners and play-makers, has league supporters confident of victory.
But it’s the inclusion of ex-Richmond big-man and 2013 league best and fairest winner Andrew Browne (Keilor) that looms as the EDFL’s ace in the pack.
With hard-nuts Eric Kuret (Greenvale), Wayne Patak (Aberfeldie) and Josh Cubillo (Aberfeldie) waiting at his feet, and an array of outside runners ready to pounce, Browne’s ability to offer first use to his on-ball brigade will be crucial.
Up forward Dean Galea and Patrick Rose, both former Frosty Miller Medallists (VFL leading goalkicker), appear as the men most likely.
The former Port Melbourne teammates will reunite for the first time since leading the Borough to the 2011 VFL premiership and will need to be curtailed if the NFL hopes to mount a case for victory.
Another former teammate Ryan Gale (Airport West) and Werribee veteran Robbie Castello (Maribyrnong Park) have also been included in the EDFL squad, a line-up that boasts considerable depth and experience.
According to league EDFL general manager Marc Turri, it’s a squad that represents the growing strength of the competition.
“Over recent years the on-field quality of the EDFL has risen dramatically with the good recruiting by the clubs,” Turri said.
“We’re determined to win the game and vie for top honours in 2015 but we won’t take the opposition lightly, and respect that they will be a very strong outfit themselves.”
For the Northern Football League, officially ranked No.4 on the table, the underdog status sits quite comfortably.
“They are the higher ranked league so I guess the pressure is on them to maintain it,” NFL CEO Peter McDougall said.
“We’ve had a great response by our players and clubs and are excited by the opportunity to progress to the 1 v 2 play-off next year.
“They’re obviously pretty close neighbours of ours and we’re really respectful of the calibre of their competition.”
But despite downplaying their own credentials, the NFL has named a squad brimming with talent.
Former Carlton forward Cameron Cloke turned the competition upside down last season, winning the league best and fairest, topping the goalkicking charts and helping his side Bundoora hoist the premiership flag.
His inclusion provides the NFL midfield, including former Bomber Ricky Dyson (Bundoora) and captain Ryan Jackson (Montmorency) an agile marking target.
Another man set to benefit is 37-years-young veteran Gary Moorcroft, who despite his age looms as arguably his team’s biggest X-factor.
Moorcroft has kicked more goals than anyone in the NFL Division 1 competition over the past three years and, according to those in the know, is almost guaranteed to take a screamer this weekend.
Bundoora tall Matthew Dennis appears likely to get first crack at Browne in the centre square and will be looking to use his superior agility to gain an advantage for his side around the ground.
Whichever way the cards fall on Saturday, it’s going to signal a dramatic shift in the competitions’ respective reputations.
For the winner, a 1 v 2 play off awaits in 2015. But for the loser, it’s back to the drawing board and a battle to stay off the bottom when next year’s Metro Championships roll around.
DETAILS
Essendon District FL (3) vs Northern FL (4)
Game 2 – 1.25pm
Visy Park, Carlton – Gate 5 entry
Cost Adults $10, U16 free, Concession $5
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