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NFNL 2023 Div 1 discussion

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Samuri Pizza Cat said:
A Bigfooty veteran from way back

Did Thomas train at full tilt tonight ? Big risk to play anyone in a GF who hasn’t been in battle for over a month don’t you think ?
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I actually said if he Was fit to play I'd play him. Hes a season player. Haven't 4 weeks off isn't going to effect anything. It's just a matter of whether his hammy is good to go. If it's not rheb he doesn't play.
 
nosecondprize said:
I actually said if he Was fit to play I'd play him. Hes a season player. Haven't 4 weeks off isn't going to effect anything. It's just a matter of whether his hammy is good to go. If it's not rheb he doesn't play.
Click to expand...
4 weeks off is a long time, to say it isn’t going to effect anything is a bit off the mark in my book.
 
Herald Sun

Who makes the cut in star-studded list of the NFNL Division 1’s best players of 2023​

The NFNL Division 1 is awash with star players. The level of talent is among the best in local footy. So who makes the cut in our top-40 stars of 2023?

t’s the final week of the Northern Football Netball season.
The Division 1 grand final on Saturday will cap what has been a memorable season.

The league’s best will be honoured on Wednesday night when the Rosbrook Medal and all senior league best-and-fairest are handed out.

But first, Leader Local Footy is having a crack at naming the top-40 players of the Division 1 season.

One of, if not the best, metropolitan competition in Melbourne, Division 1 is awash with talent making narrowing it down to just a handful incredibly difficult.

Some amazing talent has been left out, such as Alex Federico, Ben McNeice, Kurt Manuel, Mitch Honeychurch and Mitch Wild, while the likes of Shaun McKernan and Isaac McMillan were injured.

Check out the list below and have your say.

1. Sam Gilmore (Heidelberg)

Arguably the best ruckman in the competition and captains the competition’s best team. Rarely beaten and remarkably consistent. Gilmore is a two-time Team of the Year ruckman and you’d get short odds for him to make it three this season. Should figure highly on Rosbrook Medal night again as well.


2. Liam Wale-Buxton (Montmorency)

Has been a sensation in his two seasons in the competition and enters Rosbrook Medal night a warm favourite to top the count for a second season. Unlike last year though, he’s eligible to win. Starts so much of Montmorency’s attack in the middle of the park but is also a dominant force around the ground with his agility and marking prowess.

3. Sam Binion (Montmorency)

The Magpies skipper had a brilliant campaign in the heart of midfield. He thrived playing alongside ball-magnet Marcus Lentini. Binion was leading the Division 1 Coaches’ MVP voting when it went behind closed doors and will be a big show to complete the MVP-Rosbrook Medal double.

4. Sam Lloyd (Bundoora)

The former Tiger and Bulldogs star’s influence at Yulong Reserve cannot be underestimated. While he played just 15 games this season – with one big one to come – he still managed 29 goals and was in the Bulls’ best eight times. Will be eager to atone for last season’s grand final disappointment with a big day on Saturday at Preston.

5. Liam Hunt (North Heidelberg)

Returned to Shelley Reserve full-time this season and displayed all the class, toughness and skill that made him one of the VFL’s best onballers. An almost impossible match-up to stop in the contest with his size and power. Was named on the Bulldogs’ best nine times and best-on-ground in seven of those.

6. Patrick Fitzgerald (Montmorency)

The Monty spearhead had to wait eight years between his first and second Division 1 goalkicking award but has now gone back-to-back to cement himself as one of the competition’s all-time forwards. Finished the home-and-away campaign with 72 majors and added another four in two finals.

7. Lachie Wilson (Heidelberg)

Perpetual motion on a football field. The Tigers star somehow seems to be everywhere every match, if he’s not winning the ball, he’s making the tackle to stop his opponent. Has featured highly in the past two Rosbrook Medal counts and it wouldn’t surprise to see him up there again this year.

8. Majak Daw (North Heidelberg)

The Bulldogs finally got a full season out of their ex-AFL gun and he more than repaid the faith. Daw is expected to be named centre half-forward in the Division 1 Team of the Year after a 46-goal home-and-away season campaign. Took his game to a new level come finals time, booting 12 majors in three appearances, including four and six in the wins over Hurstbridge and Montmorency.

9. Jack Johnston (Greensborough)

One of the competition’s best defenders and best leaders. Led the Borough backline superbly despite losing several key teammates in the off-season – the club conceding the fourth fewest points this season. A Team of the Year regular, Johnston has been named in four of the last six seasons and you’d expect him to make it five this season.

10. Marcus Lentini (Montmorency)

Started the season in the VFL at Port Melbourne but it wasn’t long before he was a weekly featured at Montmorency Park. Finished the year with 17 appearances for the Magpies, collecting disposals at will as he’s done at VFL level for a number of years. Was running third in the Division 1 Coaches’ MVP voting before it went behind closed doors and will be very much in the running for Rosbrook Medal and Team of the Year honours.

11. Hamish Shepheard (Bundoora)

The diesel engine in the Bulls engineroom. So much of Bundoora’s play starts with Shepheard in the middle, either feeding his midfielders and winning the clearance himself and surging the ball forward. Been brilliant since arriving in 2020 but had arguably his most consistent season in 2023, playing 19 matches of 20 matches.

12. Mitch Moschitti (Hurstbridge)

The 20-year-old has been a revelation since arriving at Ben Frilay Oval in the off-season. When not on VFL duties with Carlton the Bridges midfielder has been terrific at local level, playing 14 matches and earning a mention in the best 10 times.

13. Matt Smith (Heidelberg)

Missed the opening five weeks of the season but hasn’t missed a game since. His importance to Heidelberg underlined by the fact he was named in the Tigers’ best 11 times in his 14 appearances. Was named best-on-ground in the past three matches and if he makes it four in a row on Saturday, there’s a good chance the Tigers are lifting the premiership cup.

14. Joel Naylor (Hurstbridge)

The Bridges key forward is only getting better. Naylor has improved his output in all three season at Ben Frilay Oval, going from 36 in 2021 to 45 last season and now 53. Finished season in the league goalkicking award with 51 majors in the home-and-away season.

15. Jesse Tardio (North Heidelberg)

Been a star of the competition for a number of years now and 2023 was no different. Tardio continues to be a prolific ball-winner for the Bulldogs and has no doubt enjoyed having Liam Hunt alongside to take some of the pressure off. Played the 15 games this season, otherwise might have been a bit higher on list.

16. Chris Ryall (West Preston-Lakeside)

The back-to-back Division 3 league best-and-fairest stepped up to Division 1 this season and made it look easy. Ryall was instantly on of the Roosters best every week, winning plenty of the ball and kicking a critical goals, including three in a shock win over Greensborough in Round 3.

17. Darcy Barden (Macleod)

The reigning Division 2 league best-and-fairest crossed to Macleod in the off-season and showcased all his class in the Kangas defence. The evergreen veteran continues to led the way for his younger teammates, playing 17 of 18 games and earning a mention in the best 11 times.

18. Billy Hogan (North Heidelberg)

Coach Jason Heatley no doubt wishes his had two Hogans, one to run through midfield and the other to cause chaos in attack. Hogan produced another quality season – highlighted by the fact he was running among the leading vote-getters in the Coaches’ MVP before it went behind closed doors. Will rue a late-season brain explosion, which cost him the entire finals series.

19. Angus Seivers (Greensborough)

The young defender is rapidly making a name for himself as one of the competition’s premier backmen and he’s still only 19. Has stepped up in the wake of Nick Riddle and Billy Bedford’s departures and it would surprise few to see him named in the Team of the Year.

20. Brayden Sier (Heidelberg)

The former Collingwood player produced a stellar season. Sier finished with 30 goals in 17 matches and was named in Heidelberg’s best 12 times – both second most at the club. Had a strong game in last season’s grand final and will be looking to repeat the dose on Saturday to make it back-to-back flags since stepping back to local level.

21. Xavier Dimasi (Whittlesea)

A tough year for the Eagles but Dimasi continues to be a shining light. The skipper was tireless in midfield, often fighting against the tide, in all 18 games. Was named in the best nine times, the second most at the club.

22. Max Jones (Banyule)

After winning the Division 1 reserve grade league best-and-fairest last year at Heidelberg, Jones moved down the road to Banyule and proved his a consistent senior player. Started the season like a house on fire, earning a mention in the best six times in the first eight games. Had a consistent second half of the season and will be better for the experience.

23. Peter McEvoy (Bundoora)

The former Coburg VFL captain had a stellar first full-time season at Yulong Reserve. The star forward has played 19 of 20 games (with one to go) and booted 36 goals – sixth most in the competition. A picture of consistency in a season the club struggled with injuries.

24. Max Dreher (West Preston-Lakeside)

Relished the added responsibility this season as the Roosters underwent a redevelopment season. Dreher was a machine in midfield, regularly fighting against the tide in a struggling team. Such was his importance he was named in the best 12 times in 17 appearances.

25. Zane Barzen (Heidelberg)

After being a key member of the Tigers’ premiership defence last season, Barzen will hope to be a premiership full forward in 2023. Showed he can be a match-winner at either end this season with 46 goals in 16 appearances, including a season-high seven against Greensborough. Finished fourth in the league goalkicking with 43 majors in the home-and-away season.

26. Lachie East (Bundoora)

The two-time Team of the Year defender crossed to Yulong Reserve this season and produced another exemplary campaign. One of only two Bulls to play every game this season – along with Jackson Davies – and earnt a mention in the best 11 times. Another Team of the Year honour could well be on the way.

27. Harrison Andronaco (Greensborough)

VFL-listed at Coburg but was in green all season, much to Greensborough’s delight. The 20-year-old was in everything for the Borough this season, playing all 18 games, kicking 14 goals and creating plenty more. Was named in the club’s best 11 times.

28. Will Cookson (Hurstbridge)

One of only six Bridges to play all 19 games this season and led the club with 12 mentions in the best, highlighting his stellar 2023 campaign. The 22-year-old has cemented his place in the Hurstbridge midfield and could be in line for a club best-and-fairest run and Team of the Year honours.

29. Nick Matthews (North Heidelberg)

The Bulldogs veteran is a rock in defence and consistently keeps the opposition’s best forward quiet. Was a major factor in North’s run to the preliminary final, limiting the influence of top-two league-leading goalkickers Joel Naylor and Patrick Fitzgerald.

30. Luke Collins (Bundoora)

Standalone Bulls captain for the first time this season and Collins led by example. Missed a couple of games but was usually in the club’s best when it mattered most, against the likes of Heidelberg and Montmorency.

31. Zach Hudson (Macleod)

One of the recruits of the year having crossed from St Mary’s looking for a higher standard of football. Has adapted to Division 1 with aplomb, tackling some of the best rucks in local footy and more than holding his own. The 23-year-old has been in the Kangas best in seven of his 16 appearances.

32. Brody Tardio (Heidelberg)

Already a solid senior player but Tardio seemed to take his game to a new level this season. His run-and-carry is so important to the way the Tigers play. Produced his best on the big stage to, earning mentions in the best in both H&A meetings against competition heavyweights Montmorency and Bundoora

33. Matt Harman (West Preston-Lakeside)

The reigning Rosbrook Medallist had a late start to the season due to injury but was as consistent as ever upon his return. A shining light in a difficult season for the Roosters, named in the best in 12 of his 14 appearances.

34. Josh Hamilton (North Heidelberg)

After graduating from the Northern Knights, the young gun enjoyed a stellar first full season of senior football. Caught the eye in a number of games with his slashing run-and-carry out of defence and was rewarded with two late-season VFL appearances for North Melbourne, including the wildcard round.

35. Jackson Davies (Bundoora)

Full-time at Bundoora this season and showed he’s one of the competition’s most consistent defenders. One of only two Bulls to play all 21 games so far, along with fellow defender Lachie East, and will be hoping to continue that good form on the big stage this Saturday.

36. Keenan Posar (Heidelberg)

Marshalls the best defence in the competition. Heidelberg conceded just 891 points this season with Posar keeping some of the best defenders in the competition quiet on a weekly basis. With Daniel O’Dwyer playing VFL more often this season, Posar has stepped up and could take his place in the Team of the Year.

37. Jai Robinson (Montmorency)

Consistent week-in, week-out. Where would Monty be without him? Has been used in just about every position on the ground and excelled in all. One of only four Magpies to play all 20 games and was a regular in the best, earning 10 mentions.

38. Deakin Tennant (Whittlesea)

A wall against the avalanche this season in Whittlesea’s defence. Tennant had a lot of work to do this season as opposition sides regularly laid siege to the Eagles backline but he held up admirably. Along with skipper Xavier Dimasi would be a front-runner for the club best-and-fairest.

39. Viv Blackmore-Moore (Banyule)

The Collingwood VFL-listed gun joined his brother Reuben at Beverley Road this season and was arguably the Bears best player when he was on the field. Made 15 appearances and led the club’s goalkicking with 27 majors, including a remarkable haul of seven against Greensborough.

40. Michael Hurley (Macleod)

Bending our games played rule but Hurley’s impact at Macleod this season was undeniable. The former Bomber returned to his junior club for 11 games and booted 34 goals. Was held goalless just once and kicked three or more eight times with a high of seven against Whittlesea.
 

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Broomsticks said:
It blows my mind that Tom Schnerring is never included on these lists they whip up at the end of every season. He’s one of the most consistent footballers I have ever seen.
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Your acting like they do anymore than read this forum and check the bests…

Great work by Mick Finn to secure and D1 reserves BnF. Was a top player and now just staying on in the ressies to help out his side. Fantastic to see 👍
 
10571z said:
Your acting like they do anymore than read this forum and check the bests…

Great work by Mick Finn to secure and D1 reserves BnF. Was a top player and now just staying on in the ressies to help out his side. Fantastic to see 👍
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Ripper fella. Watched him help an opposing young ruckman against him this year with his positioning etc, ya love to see it.
 
Bloke on the EDFL pages claiming Majak Daw has signed for Deer Park next season
 

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Herald Sun

Check out all the winners from the Northern league’s Rosbrook Medal night​

Heidelberg’s Lachie Wilson is a two-time Rosbrook Medallist after a thrilling count on Wednesday night, while Tahnysha Salanoa was crowned the top netballer.

Heidelberg star Lachie Wilson’s resume continues to grow.

The Tigers midfielder was awarded the Rosbrook Medal on Wednesday night as the Northern league’s Division 1 best-and-fairest.

In a thrilling count, Wilson (23 votes) pipped Montmorency pair Liam Wale-Buxton and Marcus Lentini (20), while Bundoora’s Hamish Shepheard was fourth on 16.

It’s Wilson’s second league medal, having also won in 2021, while he was second in 2022 and seventh in 2019.

He was the 10th Heidelberg player to win the Frank Smith/Frank Rosbrook Medal but now becomes the first to do it twice.

He’ll hope to add a third premiership medallion – and potentially second grand final medal – to his collection on Saturday when the Tigers face Bundoora in the Division 1 grand final.

All that at just 24.

“I’m very honoured, I can’t believe it,” Wilson said.

“Second time, I just missed out last year so had to come back and got it this year.

“I’ve had quite a few individual awards but only two premierships at the moment so I’m trying to get a couple more of those under my belt.

“In the past, players like Danny Nolan – an old coach of mine – has won five so I’m just trying to tick that over.”

Wilson will have a big role to play in Saturday’s decider.

The Tigers go in red-hot favourites after beating Bundoora in seven straight contests, including last year’s grand final.

“Saturday’s a big opportunity for the football club,” Wilson said.

“The whole team, we’ve put a lot in this year under Vinny Dattoli and hopefully on Saturday we can come out and show we’re the best side in the comp.”

Meanwhile, Heat Netball’s Tahnysha Salanoa was crowned the Section 1 netball league best-and-fairest.

Salanoa is the first Heat player to win the top-flight medal, polling in four of the last six matches and clinching the win with a best-on-court three votes in the season finale.

She beat out three North Heidelberg players, Olivia Ellis and Chloe Lambert finishing second with Madeline Ellis a further vote back.

Asked if she came in expecting to contend.

“No way, not going up against Liv, Maddie and Chloe, they’re amazing athletes,” Salanoa said.

Elsewhere, St Mary’s Tane Cotter was crowned the Division 2 football best-and-fairest.

The Burras midfielder was awarded two votes in the last match of the season to finish on 21 and pip Eltham ruckman Tom Goodwin by one.

South Morang’s Lachie Potter and Diamond Creek defender Nathan Searl were tied third on 16.

In Division 3, the league medal is back in Heidelberg West hands after Lachie Evans stormed to victory.

Evans polled the maximum votes in eight matches to finish with 31 votes as Mernda’s Billy Morrison finished second on 27 and Laurimar’s Luke Wilson was third on 17.

He follows former Hawk ruckman Jarryd Coulson, who won a three-peat of medals in 2017-19.

In the women’s, Diamond Creek Women’s gun Maykaylah Appleby topped the charts on 18 votes.

Montmorency skipper Emily Beanland finished one vote behind, while teammates Jess Nursey and Chiara Scuderi and Eltham’s Alannah Murray were third.

In Division 2, Mernda’s Gulia Ceravolo went back-to-back.

The Demons star won the Division 3 medal last season and polled 18 votes to finish ahead of St Mary’s Megan Girolami, while Fitzroy Stars’ Stephanie Briggs, Heidelberg’s Emily de Sando and Greensborough’s Emmison Zealley all tied for third.

In Division 3, Wallan’s Kelly Lennox won the league medal ahead of Heidelberg West pair Molly Reinke and Crystal Grech.

While Lentini finished just shy of the top award, he did take home the Division 1 Coaches’ MVP, while Thomastown’s Tyrone Leonardis was the Division 2 winner and Wilson took home the Division 3 award.

Banyule’s Bruce Ryan was named the NFNL Volunteer of the Year, while Old Eltham Collegians took home the Club of the Year.
 
Herald Sun

The key match-ups, players to watch and analysis of the NFNL Division 1 decider​

It’s the NFNL Division 1 grand final sequel but will it be The Godfather II or Speed II: Cruise Control? See the key match-ups, players to watch and analysis here.

It’s a sequel but will it be the Godfather II or Speed II: Cruise Control?

Heidelberg and Bundoora meet again on the biggest day on the Northern Football Netball League calendar.

For the eighth time in history, and sixth in the past 20 years, the Tigers and Bulls battle for the Division 1 premiership.

Heidelberg has won six of the seven grand final meetings.

Heidelberg has won seven straight against Bundoora in general, dating back to 2021.

Heidelberg is undefeated in 16 games with only a draw against Montmorency a blip on the club’s march to the grand final.

The bigger they are the harder they fall? So Bundoora hopes.

The Bulls haven’t lost to a team other than Heidelberg since Round 11 and showcased their very best in the preliminary final win over North Heidelberg.

If they can bring that, and with the sun shining on Preston City Oval, a repeat of last year’s breath-taking extra-time semi-final is on offer.

If not, it could be a repeat of the Round 14 match, a 78-point Tigers romp.

KEY MATCH-UPS

SAM GILMORE v HAMISH SHEPHEARD

Worth the price of admission alone. The ruck battle will play a big role in the outcome of Saturday’s grand final and this are two of the two three big man in the competition. Both Gilmore and Shepheard are capable of winning the ball and surging it forward and also critical to their team’s ball movement around the ground. Under-studies Mitch and John Jorgensen – unrelated – will need to keep the pressure on when it’s their turn.

MATT SMITH v JAKE HOBBS

Win the clearance battle, win the game, it could be as simple as that. Matt Smith’s ability to win the contested ball is well known so who can stop him? Hobbs might be Bundoora’s go-to man. Also a bull at the coalface, he can match Smith’s strength around the contest and maybe has the edge on the spread. Whoever plays in there, Lachie Wilson, Luke Collins, Luke Bunker or Kain Proctor, it’s going to be a fascinating battle to watch.

BRAYDEN SIER v BEN YOUNG

Sier is one of several Heidelberg players that can rotate forward-midfield and have a major impact in both. However, Sier has arguably more impact when resting forward than his other teammates, evidenced by his 30 goals – second most at the club. Given his power and agility there are few players in the competition that can go with him. However, Ben Young might be the man the Bulls call on. He’s a shutdown defender that can hold his own in the contest.

DANIEL O’DWYER v PETER McEVOY

Stepping back from VFL it was no surprise McEvoy was arguably Bundoora’s best player this season. His durability and class were big reasons the Bulls earned a double chance during the home-and-away season. He led the Bulls with 36 majors and will play a critical role on the bigger PCO. A likely match-up is Daniel O’Dwyer, who spent much of the season at VFL level with Northern Bullants. The Tigers premiership defender was centre half-back in the Team of the Year last season and will be keen for another scalp and flag on the big stage.

ZANE BARZEN v LACHIE EAST

Barzen is the flame to Heidelberg’s moths. A danger in front of goal himself, finishing third in the league goalkicking with 46 majors, he is also important in the forward pressure game. Barzen creates the contest and the Tigers’ fleet of small forwards gather to him and create havoc on the ground. As such, Lachie East will be looking to either intercept mark or nullify the contest with aggressive spoils to disrupt the forward gameplan.

X-FACTOR

TOM SULLIVAN

A match-winner at either end of the ground, Sullivan is a major weapon for Tigers coach Vinny Dattoli. Was among the best in Heidelberg’s semi-final win and will likely start in defence to combat Bundoora’s tall timber. If he gets a chance to intercept and kick-start the Tigers offence he could have a very big say in the outcome.

KYLE GREEN

All eyes will be on Bundoora’s talls, Shaun McKernan, John Jorgensen and Peter McEvoy, but when the ball hits the ground who’s there. Green has to have a big game on Saturday for the Bulls to have a chance of victory. The small forward missed the Round 14 clash and kicked two goals in the semi-final loss. If he can kick a bag, he might just be a premiership player.

EXPECTED LINE-UPS

Heidelberg looks the more settled of the two teams heading into the grand final but the Tigers could still make a couple of changes. Tigers coach Vinny Dattoli said he had a squad of 25 to chose from heading into selection. If they feel more run is needed to combat Bundoora then the likes of Isaac Wallace (15 games), Ben Nikolovski (13) and Matt McInerney (10), who were all dropped for the major semi-final could be considered. Jed Rule and Max Thompson haven’t been able to get up due to injury.

Bundoora, meanwhile, will be a fascinating watch when teams are announced. Zane Barker and Jedd Longmire came in for the preliminary final and Ben McNiece and Nathan Phillips went out. McNiece is battling injury and will be a line-ball call. The Bulls must also consider how it fits its best side in with points restrictions. The likes of Neville Jetta and Joel Fitzgerald would be available but would likely struggle to fit in under the cap.

COACHES’ SAY

Vinny Dattoli (Heidelberg): Every line is extremely important but my gut feel is it’s going to be a battle of the backlines. Both forwardlines are quite different but extremely dangerous. Everyone says the game is won in middle, and it is, but if you go on numbers the inside 50s weren’t too different last time we played them. It’s just a matter of which team can better take their opportunities.

Michael Ryan (Bundoora): It’s definitely going to be won in the midfield, Heidelberg are really strong around the football and at clearance. For us as a group, we’ve got to make it a real big focus, we’re compliant on ball and do our absolute best to give our forwards an opportunity one-on-one early. The focus has to be on us as well, sometimes you can worry about the opposition too much and forget about your own strengths. If we can play our brand of football, connect well, then the scoreboard will take care of itself.

VERDICT

We know what Heidelberg we’re going to get.

But the big question is, which Bundoora will run out onto Preston City Oval on Sunday.

Will we get the preliminary final Bundoora that wiped the floor with a previously red-hot North Heidelberg.

Or will it be the Bulls sides that have struggled to fire a shot a the Tigers in three meeting this season.

If it’s the former, game on.

Heidelberg’s depth of talent is arguably the envy of just about every local footy club in Melbourne.

They’re strong from top to bottom and that’s underlined by the fact the club’s reserves are also in the grand final.

You feel Bundoora’s big guns need to fire for it to have a chance.

Can Shaun McKernan, Peter McEvoy and John Jorgensen kick 10-15 goals between them? The conditions should suit the talls, unlike last year.

Can Hamish Shepheard, Luke Collins, Sam Lloyd and Jake Hobbs win the midfield battle to give the Bulls first use and quick ball movement?

Even if both those things happen Heidelberg still has the weapons to win, see last year’s semi-final.

While it certainly wouldn’t surprise, it’s hard to see the Tigers letting this slip … HEIDELBERG BY 8 POINTS
 
Denny Crane said:
Herald Sun

The key match-ups, players to watch and analysis of the NFNL Division 1 decider​

It’s the NFNL Division 1 grand final sequel but will it be The Godfather II or Speed II: Cruise Control? See the key match-ups, players to watch and analysis here.

It’s a sequel but will it be the Godfather II or Speed II: Cruise Control?

Heidelberg and Bundoora meet again on the biggest day on the Northern Football Netball League calendar.

For the eighth time in history, and sixth in the past 20 years, the Tigers and Bulls battle for the Division 1 premiership.

Heidelberg has won six of the seven grand final meetings.

Heidelberg has won seven straight against Bundoora in general, dating back to 2021.

Heidelberg is undefeated in 16 games with only a draw against Montmorency a blip on the club’s march to the grand final.

The bigger they are the harder they fall? So Bundoora hopes.

The Bulls haven’t lost to a team other than Heidelberg since Round 11 and showcased their very best in the preliminary final win over North Heidelberg.

If they can bring that, and with the sun shining on Preston City Oval, a repeat of last year’s breath-taking extra-time semi-final is on offer.

If not, it could be a repeat of the Round 14 match, a 78-point Tigers romp.

KEY MATCH-UPS

SAM GILMORE v HAMISH SHEPHEARD

Worth the price of admission alone. The ruck battle will play a big role in the outcome of Saturday’s grand final and this are two of the two three big man in the competition. Both Gilmore and Shepheard are capable of winning the ball and surging it forward and also critical to their team’s ball movement around the ground. Under-studies Mitch and John Jorgensen – unrelated – will need to keep the pressure on when it’s their turn.

MATT SMITH v JAKE HOBBS

Win the clearance battle, win the game, it could be as simple as that. Matt Smith’s ability to win the contested ball is well known so who can stop him? Hobbs might be Bundoora’s go-to man. Also a bull at the coalface, he can match Smith’s strength around the contest and maybe has the edge on the spread. Whoever plays in there, Lachie Wilson, Luke Collins, Luke Bunker or Kain Proctor, it’s going to be a fascinating battle to watch.

BRAYDEN SIER v BEN YOUNG

Sier is one of several Heidelberg players that can rotate forward-midfield and have a major impact in both. However, Sier has arguably more impact when resting forward than his other teammates, evidenced by his 30 goals – second most at the club. Given his power and agility there are few players in the competition that can go with him. However, Ben Young might be the man the Bulls call on. He’s a shutdown defender that can hold his own in the contest.

DANIEL O’DWYER v PETER McEVOY

Stepping back from VFL it was no surprise McEvoy was arguably Bundoora’s best player this season. His durability and class were big reasons the Bulls earned a double chance during the home-and-away season. He led the Bulls with 36 majors and will play a critical role on the bigger PCO. A likely match-up is Daniel O’Dwyer, who spent much of the season at VFL level with Northern Bullants. The Tigers premiership defender was centre half-back in the Team of the Year last season and will be keen for another scalp and flag on the big stage.

ZANE BARZEN v LACHIE EAST

Barzen is the flame to Heidelberg’s moths. A danger in front of goal himself, finishing third in the league goalkicking with 46 majors, he is also important in the forward pressure game. Barzen creates the contest and the Tigers’ fleet of small forwards gather to him and create havoc on the ground. As such, Lachie East will be looking to either intercept mark or nullify the contest with aggressive spoils to disrupt the forward gameplan.

X-FACTOR

TOM SULLIVAN

A match-winner at either end of the ground, Sullivan is a major weapon for Tigers coach Vinny Dattoli. Was among the best in Heidelberg’s semi-final win and will likely start in defence to combat Bundoora’s tall timber. If he gets a chance to intercept and kick-start the Tigers offence he could have a very big say in the outcome.

KYLE GREEN

All eyes will be on Bundoora’s talls, Shaun McKernan, John Jorgensen and Peter McEvoy, but when the ball hits the ground who’s there. Green has to have a big game on Saturday for the Bulls to have a chance of victory. The small forward missed the Round 14 clash and kicked two goals in the semi-final loss. If he can kick a bag, he might just be a premiership player.

EXPECTED LINE-UPS

Heidelberg looks the more settled of the two teams heading into the grand final but the Tigers could still make a couple of changes. Tigers coach Vinny Dattoli said he had a squad of 25 to chose from heading into selection. If they feel more run is needed to combat Bundoora then the likes of Isaac Wallace (15 games), Ben Nikolovski (13) and Matt McInerney (10), who were all dropped for the major semi-final could be considered. Jed Rule and Max Thompson haven’t been able to get up due to injury.

Bundoora, meanwhile, will be a fascinating watch when teams are announced. Zane Barker and Jedd Longmire came in for the preliminary final and Ben McNiece and Nathan Phillips went out. McNiece is battling injury and will be a line-ball call. The Bulls must also consider how it fits its best side in with points restrictions. The likes of Neville Jetta and Joel Fitzgerald would be available but would likely struggle to fit in under the cap.

COACHES’ SAY

Vinny Dattoli (Heidelberg): Every line is extremely important but my gut feel is it’s going to be a battle of the backlines. Both forwardlines are quite different but extremely dangerous. Everyone says the game is won in middle, and it is, but if you go on numbers the inside 50s weren’t too different last time we played them. It’s just a matter of which team can better take their opportunities.

Michael Ryan (Bundoora): It’s definitely going to be won in the midfield, Heidelberg are really strong around the football and at clearance. For us as a group, we’ve got to make it a real big focus, we’re compliant on ball and do our absolute best to give our forwards an opportunity one-on-one early. The focus has to be on us as well, sometimes you can worry about the opposition too much and forget about your own strengths. If we can play our brand of football, connect well, then the scoreboard will take care of itself.

VERDICT

We know what Heidelberg we’re going to get.

But the big question is, which Bundoora will run out onto Preston City Oval on Sunday.

Will we get the preliminary final Bundoora that wiped the floor with a previously red-hot North Heidelberg.

Or will it be the Bulls sides that have struggled to fire a shot a the Tigers in three meeting this season.

If it’s the former, game on.

Heidelberg’s depth of talent is arguably the envy of just about every local footy club in Melbourne.

They’re strong from top to bottom and that’s underlined by the fact the club’s reserves are also in the grand final.

You feel Bundoora’s big guns need to fire for it to have a chance.

Can Shaun McKernan, Peter McEvoy and John Jorgensen kick 10-15 goals between them? The conditions should suit the talls, unlike last year.

Can Hamish Shepheard, Luke Collins, Sam Lloyd and Jake Hobbs win the midfield battle to give the Bulls first use and quick ball movement?

Even if both those things happen Heidelberg still has the weapons to win, see last year’s semi-final.

While it certainly wouldn’t surprise, it’s hard to see the Tigers letting this slip … HEIDELBERG BY 8 POINTS
Click to expand...
Wow What great read bring on Saturday
 
yearoftheeagle said:
Incredible! 2 league medals, 4th team of the year and possibly 3rd flag after this weekend. BnFs ? And all this and he hasn’t even come into the prime years of his footy career yet. Well done to him.
Click to expand...
I think the record is 3 Frank Rosbrook medals by Dennis and a player from the 70s, I can't recall his name. If he stays in the NFNL, that is in massive danger. He is a star.
 
Bergs have had the dominance on the Bulls obviously, but it always creates opportunities to drastically change some things and surprise them.

Heidelberg in turn will genuinely just do what has worked because let’s be honest why would you change it?
 
10571z said:
Bergs have had the dominance on the Bulls obviously, but it always creates opportunities to drastically change some things and surprise them.

Heidelberg in turn will genuinely just do what has worked because let’s be honest why would you change it?
Click to expand...
A 50+ point average winning margin against Bundoora. The Bergs don't have to do anything different. I do agree Bundoora have to throw some different at them. Will be interesting to see what that is.
 
nosecondprize said:
Looks like Nathan Thomas in and Sekulovski out in the selected teams. But who knows if that's correct.
Click to expand...
On the NFNL site it has Thomas out and Sekulovski in?

Wallace in for Heidelberg who was mentioned in that article.

Looks like it will be great conditions for footy, and despite the results previously, get the feeling it could be a classic.
 
NorthernBastard said:
On the NFNL site it has Thomas out and Sekulovski in?

Wallace in for Heidelberg who was mentioned in that article.

Looks like it will be great conditions for footy, and despite the results previously, get the feeling it could be a classic.
Click to expand...
Yep correct. Last night it had the other way around. Must have been a mistake. Great day for footy. Hopefully not much wind.
 
In the end it was
Wallace IN Smith OUT -Heidelberg
McNiece IN Longmire OUT- Bundoora

If Thomas was risky to bring in then so is Mcniece. He's struggled the last 2 months, only play 3 games since July.
 

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