By Josh Ward.
Boronia and Croydon are set to battle it out for both the Division 2 Flag and a return to Division 1 this Sunday at Walker Park.
The Hawks come into this game looking to complete a remarkable two seasons in Division 2 where they’ve only lost twice by a combined margin of nine points.
Much like last year, they were the first to book their ticket to this weekend’s decider after defeating Mulgrave in the second semi final by 34 points.
Senior men’s coach Matt Clark says that they’ve had a similar approach to last year throughout this finals series.
“We’ve had to make sure that our weekend training sessions have been at a game pace and match sim related. We’ve trained really hard on those weekend’s,” Clark said.
Boronia face a Croydon side who’s played each week of this finals series, defeating Templestowe, Waverley Blues and Mulgrave on their way to this weekend’s Grand Final.
It’s set to be a big day for the Blues, with their 19s and reserves also competing on the day. Senior coach Rhett Jordon says this feat has given players extra drive ahead of the weekend.
“It’s been good to have all three sides on the track together during the week and then being able to watch one another and really invest in each other’s journey throughout the finals series,” Jordon says.
The Blues also have an added element of confidence having defeated all sides in Division 2 at least once this season, with Boronia also in the same boat.
Croydon’s only victory against the Hawks came by eight points at Croydon Oval in Round 6 before falling to them by 15 points nine rounds later at Tormore Reserve.
Clark says it’s a much different matchup against a different opponent this time around compared to last year’s grand final against Heathmont.
“We’re expecting a really physical, tough game of football against really good, quality opposition. For the spectators they’ll enjoy what they see and for us we’re gonna have to be ready from the start.”
On the other hand, Jordon says that both sides match up really well and that they’re in it to win it.
“The key is just being there, we’re there and so (we’re going in with) a ‘why not us’ mentality.”
A win for the Hawks would see them crowned premiers for the 11th time and win back-to-back premierships for the first time in their club’s history.
Clark, who’s also chasing his fourth premiership as a senior coach, says if they were lucky, it would mean a lot to the entire Boronia community from seniors down to juniors.
“We’re celebrating everyone’s success no matter what it looks like. I’m expecting big numbers and support (for us), and to be fair everyone’s excited about it but no one’s over awed by it.”
For the Blues they’re chasing their eighth premiership as well as ending a 27-year senior men’s premiership drought at the club.
Jordon says if they were successful it’d be massive for the club and is hoping for three victories this coming Sunday.
“We’ll never know how it really feels until we get there and if we get there. But I’m really excited about the opportunity and hope that we can get things going our way on Sunday, but we know it’s not going to be an easy feat.”
