Third time around

Last year’s grand final gladiators going toe-to-toe for a chance to return to the league’s biggest stage – we’re been blessed with the perfect finals script. The third edition of the O&K senior grand final rematch will kick off the second week of what’s turning into a thrilling finals series, when Greta and Bright square off once again. Booked in for the pristine turf of the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve for Saturday, the outcome of the match will determine half of the grand final fixture, while the loser has to take the long way to the big dance. Honours have been shared between the two mighty outfits so far this season, with the Mountain Men nine points too good in round one before the Blues pegged one back by 41 points in late June. Greta coach Chris Dube said his side was prepared for an extremely difficult match-up with Bright. “It’s obviously an exciting time, I’m sure there’s a healthy balance of nerves and excitement for all involved,” he said. “We’re just really looking forward to the opportunity to play against a quality opposition in a game that really matters. “Any time you get to the end of the year and have a week off, time heals a few sore bodies. “No one’s 100 per cent at the end of the year, that’s just the reality of the combative game of football, but we’ve maintained the work and we’ve done some extra sessions to make sure that we didn’t lift the foot off the gas. “At the same time, not playing footy has rested and gotten a few extra pool sessions into some of the bodies. “It’s shaping up to be a really big match.” Big names and key players will feature for both teams across the park. Bright’s forward line, led by centurion goal kicker Cooper Thomason but with the likes of Wayland Wales, Cy Banks and Luke Quirk capable of kicking bags, will be tough to stop, and Greta’s back six will need to be at their best. At the other end of the ground is a Greta forward line and explosive midfield group with more avenues to goal than seems possible. Clyde Baker medallist James McClounan has kicked 65 goals from the midfield, and when Frazer Judd (60 goals) and Cody Crawford (43) are added to the equation, it spells massive scoring potential. However, Bright’s defensive structure is tough to penetrate when they’re in sync, having conceded a league-leading 877 points throughout the season – no other club has conceded less than 1000. In the end, it will come down to who can be better for longer, and whichever team can be consistent at their craft can start planning for the grand final. “We’re under no illusion the opposition that we’re facing have been one of the form sides this year,” Dube said. “I feel confident our boys are really up for the challenge, but good footy’s not going to get it done – we’re going to have to play our best to match it with Bright. “Ultimately, ‘Quirky’ [Bright coach Michael Quirk] and I will be proud of the preparation and work we do, but when it’s all said and done, there’s going to be 42 guys out there who are going to determine who wins and loses. “It’s a player’s game, and the team that goes up and does it for longer will get the chocolates.” Greta takes on Bright from 2pm at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve on Sunday, after the reserves clash between those same two clubs. While a trip back to WJ Findlay Oval awaits the winner, the loser faces a challenging preliminary final clash, no matter who triumphs in the other semi-final on Sunday. Milawa takes on Whorouly at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve, the same venue where the Lions broke their 18-year long drought against the Demons in round 12. With power forwards, gutsy defenders and sleek midfielders fronting up for both sides, and the prospect of extending their season by at least a week, expect some fireworks. The second semi-final will commence after the reserves match between Milawa and Bonnie Doon.

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