GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
The Kangaroos reputation as a quality club has been further enhanced over the past twelve months, when just weeks after their 2023 premiership success, the club was faced with perhaps their biggest challenge since being founded over one hundred and fifty years ago.
A devastating fire destroying their venue and much of its memories, a moment in time that may have almost destroyed the reigning premiers too, but no, they appear to have built back even stronger as they prepare for a fairy tale finish against a talented Yinnar side.
Both sides have had their share of highs and lows during the 2024 season and also share equally their victories against each other with one win a piece when having previously met this season.
Last time they met:
Round 3
Yinnar 11-7-73 defeated Fish Creek 7-10-52.
What the coaches said at the time:
Sam McCulloch-Yinnar
Happy to come away with the win. We played our brand of footy in the second half which was pleasing to watch. Very impressed with the even contribution right across the board. Was a great response from our group and I felt we learnt from our mistakes the previous week.
Jarrod Walker-Fish Creek
A tight tussle for most of the day, we couldn’t get the game on our terms for most of it, with credit to the Yinnar pressure and spread. A few key moments we didn’t win, allowing Yinnar to kick away a little bit. A late surge saw our intensity get to where it should have been all day, in the end we left it too late. For next week we need to really focus on how we want to be moving the ball and defending the ground.
Semi Final
Fish Creek 8-5-53 defeated Yinnar 4-7-31
What the coaches said at the time;
Jarrod Walker-Fish Creek
A great team game, had even contributors across the ground with a couple of stand out performers. Our defensive game and pressure was at a level it needed to be for finals and we were able to sustain that for the whole game. Yinnar were able to get momentum going their way throughout the game but it was good that we were able to slow the game down and close it out. Looking forward to another week off and a chance to get a good training block in and get prepped for the grand final
Sam McCulloch-Yinnar
Fish creek certainly handled the conditions better than us and had a lot of the play in their front half. three early goals in the second quarter to Fish Creek was what broke the game open and we were never able to peg the margin back. Looking forward to seeing the response from our group.
This week:
As interesting as past results may be, they will have no effect on this week's grand final, outside of what coaches may have learnt about both their opposition and their own players' abilities to perform against those expected to be playmakers from either side.
Jarrad Walker, Fish Creek “A good week off for us, had a solid session getting a fair few kms in the legs with a heap of excitement. As a team we watched the prelim to see Yinnar run over the top of foster with a lot of momentum. Momentum means a lot in finals so we will need to be ready to fire from the first bounce to match Yinnar’s belief. Top 2 teams in the grand final, will be a great game”
It’s a thought echoed by many of the coaches in the league.
Damian Turner, Mirboo North coach “What a great finals series!! Both these teams are long time proven finals teams, with plenty of grand final experience. Poised to be a cracking contest, really hard to tip but if Yinnar can win the midfield battle, they win by 12 points.
Ray Pickering-Thorpdale
Wouldn’t we all like some of that fish creek water. An interesting match up for mine , a powerful big strong fish creek outfit v’s a slick, fast running outside team in Yinnar …. When it come to finals fish creek just seem to grow an extra leg, their experience come to the fore and I think it will happen again this week ! If Yinnar can get the ball into space and get their running game going that is the only way I can see them worrying fish but I just don’t think fish creek will allow it !! Fish creek by 5 goals
Jack Weston, Toora coach “First versus second on the ladder in the grand final seems fitting. Fish creek to win for me. Their discipline to lower their eyes and move the ball skilfully by foot will take away Yinnar’s ability to turn the ball over through intercept marks. I also don’t see their youthfulness running over the top of a well rested and healthy Fish Creek side with a stack of experience.
Ambu Uliando, Hill End coach “Fish creek win by three goals. Fishy have the experience and size that I believe gives them the edge. Will be an exciting game.”
Chris Verboon-Stony Creek
I think Yinnar will win by 13 points. The loss to Stony Creek in the last round has got them fired up to go all the way.
Yinnar would be buoyant about their chances too after their preliminary final win, but also respectful of the quality of opposition and the enormity of the task.
Sam McCulloch, Yinnar coach "Excited about the opportunity to play against Fish Creek again and will go in with confidence and with the attitude we have nothing to lose.”
With football three teams all playing for premierships, there is certainly plenty to gain.
With football three teams all playing for premierships, there is certainly plenty to gain.
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