Bendigo will look to complete an incredible undefeated season, as they do battle with Deer Park in the VWFL Premier Division Grand Final. James Szabo previews the clash.
The side cemented a place in the season finale after finishing first on the ladder and recording an 11-point win over Melbourne Uni in their Semi Final two weeks ago.
Bendigo led the game all day, with Jessica Kennedy, Alyx Glanville, Elise Strachan, Leah French, Laura Flanagan and Erin Ross putting in outstanding performances. Isabella Ayre also popped up with couple of goals, to bring her season tally to 36 goals from nine games.
Those players, along with Emma Grant and Cassandra Blakeway – who were key contributors all year - will be expected to shine once again this week in the battle for the flag.
The Thunder showed their class by winning all 15 games this season, proving they were undoubtedly the best team in league. Deer Park however, will know that anything’s possible in the Grand Final.
The Lion’s two wins this finals series, against Port Melbourne and Melbourne Uni, will also give them a massive boost of confidence coming into the clash for the ultimate prize this Sunday.
Deer Park will be relying on their stars of Victoria Pettit, Belinda Hately and Samantha Radlof, who have been tremendous performers this finals series. Amy Catterall has also been a terrific contributor, kicking six goals from two finals games.
While Bendigo ended up victorious in all of their three games against Deer Park this season, the opposition showed some positive signs throughout.
The Lions lost their last two games against the Thunder by just 12 and nine points respectively, after some impressive displays of competitive football.
Deer Park will be hoping for that same driven spirit this weekend, while Bendigo will look to continue the dominant form they’ve shown throughout the whole year.
It’s set to be an enthralling contest.
The Grand Final starts from 12pm this Sunday, September 18 at Piranha Park, Coburg.
The match will be live video streamed via vwfl.com.au
Photo: Russ Canham
Last Modified on 18/09/2016 00:02