The stage is set for the 2022 Great Flinders FL Grand Final to be an absolute cracker in all grades.
A Grade
United Yeelanna vs Elliston Districts
The A grade sees newcomers, Elliston Districts, play their first grand final in Great Flinders taking on United Yeelanna who have won 8 of the last ten grand finals, having taken on almost every other GFFL side in the grand final.
The United Yeelanna side has had a stable core group of players returning to their farms after having played together as juniors. The injection of Reece Francis as a playing coach along with the addition of Stephen Conlan and Shaun Maxfield around the ball has provided further depth.
Ably led by Michael Crettenden with almost half of the team having played together since mini colts, they are well drilled in what is expected and have lifted again with Reece Francis bringing his experience, passion & football nous to the side.
Elliston Districts have brought together the best players from Western Districts and Elliston in the Mid West FL, with the injection of a few other key players, and have been exciting to watch all season. Matt Williams & Scott Feltus lead the way on the field & as keen students of the game took notes on the nuances of the Great Flinders style of play.
There are going to be some crucial match-ups all over the ground. Zane Montgomerie has dominated the backlines with the likes of Tom Lee, Ross Bascomb and Darren Gregory by his side. They will be looking to prevent goals being kicked by Spog & Matt Crettenden, Bryce Breed & Brayden Martin as well as providing some run and drive from the back line.
At the other end of the ground, Jaxen Norton, Matt Dyer & Jaiden Agars will be looking to nullify any goals being kicked by Steve Paul, Tom Gibson and Kody Rosalia.
In the middle of the ground, Stephen Conlan will have the big task of taking on the twin towers of Rhys Kelsh & Hayden Carey in the ruck. Looking to get first use from the rucks will be Adam Murnane, Michael Crettenden, Xavier Watson, Shaun Maxfield and the under-rated hard nut Mitch Jolly against Matt Williams, Scott Feltus, Lachie McInnis, Adam Hurrell and Guy Hutchinson. There are going to be matchups all over the ground but likely whoever can dominate the midfield & contested ball is going to be the telling battle to win.
B Grade
Tumby Bay vs Cummins Rambler
In the B grade, Tumby Bay have been the dominant side this season but they take on the reigning premiers, Ramblers so nothing should be taken for granted.
No doubt this one will be a cracker there is no love lost between these two teams.
Ramblers playing coach, Ben “Hammer” Quigley, is no stranger to finals football, having won numerous premierships over his career, and his experience will be key in helping keep his young players focused.
The injection of some high-end talent in Blair Buchanan, the Pilgrim brothers, and Jimmy Richardson, gives them some experienced heads on the field. Old stagers Shannon Minhard, Brady Blacker and Jordy Darling will also welcome the challenge of another Grand Final.
There is also plenty of youthful exuberance in the form of Ethan and Jacob Parsons, as well as Jack Crettenden and Jeremy Joss, who showed they were up to the challenge of finals football in a tense final quarter last week.
Tumby has a great mix of youth and experience spread acoss the board but will be looking for big games from some of their key payers. Calderwood, Anesbury, Smith, Monfries and Cross will all have important role to play through the midfield to give the Tumby forwards first look at the ball. Filippo will be a constant threat for the Ramblers defence. Belt and Fleming will give extra potency to the forward half. Tumby’s back six have been reliable all year but will face their toughest test Saturday the experience of Cocks and LeBrun blend well with the pace of Richardson and Edmonds.
Colts
Tumby Bay v Eyre United
Their meetings throughout the minor round were all decided by less than 2 goals with Tumby taking the honours 2-1. So, expect a close contest.
Tumby will go in as favourites after a convincing second semi final win and will be looking for the experience of Foster, Richardson, and Cave to set the standard for the team. Challinger, Higgins, Carr and Allen will add to the depth through the midfield and create headaches for the Eyre United defence while resting.
Eyre United have many weapons of their own and will be lead by Association Best and fairest and R/up Turner and Pugsley. Turners great ball reading skill and penetrating kick will be a thorn the Tumby side and if Pugsley is allowed to bring his silky skills and great finishing into the game it will be a tight tussle. Stratford, H Masson, Franklin, and M Masson will all play pivotal roles in getting Eyre United over the line. There will be one thing certain in this contest neither side will give an inch.
Mini Colts
Eyre United vs Tumby Bay
Last time they meet at full time you could not separate them.
Eyre United will go in the grand final full of confidence after getting over the Blues in extra time in the second semi.
Tumby will be disappointed about giving up a two-goal lead in the last quarter in the last two games against Eyre United.
Viney, Jefferson and Robinson will give drive out of the middle for Tumby and provide opportunity the forward line lead by Burgoyne.
Telfer, Pugsley and Warrior will lead the way for Eyre United and their belief and trust in their younger players may give them a psychological edge over the Blues.
Don’t turn away in this one or be surprised by extra time.
Comments