By Tash Gunawardana
Premier Division Grand Final:
Eastern Devils vs South Croydon: Eastern Devils and South Croydon do battle in the Premier Division Grand Final at HE Parker Reserve in what shapes to be a ripper of a contest. Eastern Devils have had an almost flawless 2022 season with only one loss in the home and away season and a convincing win in week one of the finals to progress straight through to the Grand Final.
South Croydon on the other hand finished the season in third position with eight wins and six losses and won in week one and week two of the finals against Vermont and Mount Evelyn to move into the final.
South Croydon have played more games in the past month so are more match ready, but the Eastern Devils have been the premier team in the Premier Division all year.
Expect a high-quality contest between the best home and away team and the best finals team to see which team will be crowned Premier Division Premiers.
South Croydon – “Another hard-fought win against a quality Mount Evelyn last week to extend our year to the big show on the last Saturday,” South Croydon Premier Coach Simon Hammersley said.
“Eastern Devils have been the benchmark of the competition this year, and high achievers in women’s footy for over 20 years. With our program effectively only in its fourth season of footy, their standing in the game is something that we aspire to emulate in years to come.
“Our head-to-head games against them this year doesn’t make particularly optimistic reading for the Doggies faithful. However, our side has produced its best footy in the past few weeks, and despite clearly going into the game as the underdogs we’re quietly confident that our best form will produce a fitting grand final worth a watch.”
Tip: Eastern Devils
Premier B Grand Final:
Donvale vs Whitehorse: Donvale and Whitehorse are playing off in the Premier B Grand Final at Quambee Reserve. We could not have asked for a better Grand Final matchup with two of the best teams in Premier B clashing to decide who will win the flag.
Only one win has separated Whitehorse and Donvale all season long on the Premier B ladder with Whitehorse on nine wins finishing atop and Donvale second. Both teams have caused headaches for the rest of the Premier B competition and as a result we know we are in for an epic Premier B Grand Final.
Donvale has two players Monica Latino and Jasmine D’Amato in the top 10 Premier B goal kicking leader board. Latino is fourth with 28 goals and D’Amato is seventh with 21 goals, despite missing the last month of football. Donvale will be hopeful these two ladies can continue their strong goal kicking form on Saturdays Grand Final, because if they do then Donvale will have a great chance of bringing home the premiership.
Whitehorse will need try and put a halt to Donvale’s scoring power with their defensive efforts.
Donvale – “Two good weeks on the track with the team buzzing,” Donvale Premier B Coach Stephen Latino said. “Our first chance at a flag together, we’re hoping to perform on the big stage. No matter what happens I’m incredibly proud of the season the girls have put together.”
Division One Grand Final:
Park Orchards vs Rowville: What a Division One Grand Final between Park Orchards and Rowville, which will be played at HE Parker Reserve straight after the Premier Grand Final. Rowville has been the team to beat all season and remained undefeated until they clashed with Park Orchards in week one of the finals. Park Orchards caused an upset defeating Rowville by a point, and advanced through to the Grand Final. Park Orchards will head into this match as slight underdogs but do not be surprised if they are able to hand Rowville their second loss of the season and become the Division One Premier.
Rowville will be seeking redemption after their first week of the final’s loss, so this Grand Final makes more intriguing viewing.
Tip: Park Orchards
Division Two Grand Final:
Knox vs East Ringwood: Knox takes on East Ringwood in the Division Two Grand Final at Quambee Reserve. In Division Two this season, Knox have set the benchmark as they have only dropped one match this season, which was to East Ringwood by 17 points way back in round 10.
East Ringwood managed to keep Knox to three goals, an incredible achievement as Knox has five goal kickers that have been real threats all season. East Ringwood will need to make sure their defence stands up strongly again to Knox and if they do then East Ringwood will go a long way to securing the Division Two premiership, in what promises to be an exciting sequel to the Second Semi Final.
Knox – “We are really excited to be playing off in a Grand final after two years of building up the Women’s program at Knox,” Knox Division Two Coach PJ said. “We have met East Ringwood on four occasions already this year and I’m sure Adrian will have his girls pumped for this Saturday.
“I’m expecting another tough close encounter and our girls will be doing everything they can to push hard for a victory. Whatever happens, I am extremely proud of all the Knox women who have pulled on a red and black jumper in season 2022.”
Division Three Grand Final:
East Burwood vs Croydon North MLOC: East Burwood tackles Croydon North MLOC in the Division Three Grand Final at Quambee Reserve.
East Burwood will need to ensure they have a great defensive game plan to try and stop Croydon North MLOC’s scoring weapons, with the KangaRams piling on the goals in last week’s elimination final with Coldstream last weekend.
Both sides have defeated each other across the season, but the Rams did win the Second Semi Final with relative ease and given the dynamic duo that is Baldassare and Jones, they’ll be equally potent up forward.
Tip: Croydon North MLOC
Division Four Grand Final:
Vermont vs Eastern Devils: Vermont and Eastern Devils face off in the Division Four decider at HE Parker Reserve.
It has been a smooth sailing run in the finals for Vermont as they defeated Eastern Devils in week one by 19 points, and they have had a week’s rest, getting ready to secure their second victory in three weeks over Eastern Devils.
Eastern Devils were favourites for the Division Four flag until week one of the finals and are still hopeful that they can return the favour with a win over the Eagles tomorrow.
Eastern Devils pride themselves on their scoring power and to stop other teams from scoring all season. To Vermont’s credit in week one of the finals, they bought Eastern Devils back to earth and made it hard for them to score, keeping them goalless until the final term.
Vermont – “Eastern Devils are a proud club, and we know that the Grand Final is going to be a hard-fought game,” Vermont Division Four Coach Brett Munyard said. “We are proud of our reserves side with what they have achieved so far this season, and the team is looking forward to the challenge.”
