The 2013 Murray Football League Grand Final day has finally arrived and we have Echuca United under the coaching of Scott Beattie, taking on perennial finalists Mulwala, who are coached by Nick O’Bryan.
While Mulwala have reached the Grand Final today on the back of a workman like 13 point victory over Finley in last week’s Preliminary Final. In the Reserves we have a replay of 2012 with ladder leaders Mulwala taking on an experienced Tongala outfit, in what should be an entertaining battle. While in the Thirds Moama take on an in form Finley team. To kick the day off in the Fourths the undefeated Moama clash with Cobram. There should be a big crowd at Tocumwal today to witness what promises to be 4 games of quality football. Congratulations to all teams who have made it to the final day of the MFL season and good luck in your Premiership endeavours.
Seniors – Echuca United v Mulwala
Match Start Time 2.30pm
A fantastic game of football is on the cards in today’s MFL Grand Final clash. The Eagles and the Lions have been the pacesetters in 2013 losing just 2 games each in the home and away season. The Lions had to work hard last week against Finley. After setting up an early lead they were able to hold off a Cats revival and gain a berth in today’s Grand Final. In their 3 clashes this season the Eagles have been successful on all occasions keeping the Lions to their 3 lowest scores of the season. Mulwala have been the highest scoring team in MFL football this season, and have a dangerous forward set up that must fire today if they are to be successful. They have Chase Strawhorn 81 goals, Anthony Giuliano 56 goals, Kyle Archibald 51 goals, Cam Symes 23 goals and Nathan Parker 20 goals all providing options. While midfielders Sean Robinson and Michael Duiker are also capable of kicking multiple goals. The Eagles have been miserly in defence all year and will look to Ryan Prendergast, Jake and Liam Guinan and James Coppock to again play very important roles in restricting the Lions firepower. The midfield battle should be a beauty with the Eagles highly rated Scott Beattie, Rowan and Farran Priest, Duane Hueston and Bryn Barnes-Webb confronting Sean Robinson, Michael Duiker, Dean Bigger, Jackson Weir and Tom Wilson. In the ruck we have Clayton Zanella and Tom Jackson for the Eagles up against Daniel Clarke and Lucas Olson in what should be a fairly even battle. Echuca United had forwards Guy Campbell, Cam Parker and Justin Saker fire in the 2nd Semi Final and will want a similar performance again today. They also rely on their resting midfielders in Farran Priest with an amazing 72 goals, Scott Beattie 22 goals and Duane Hueston 25 goals for support. The Lions backline worked well last week with Nick O’Bryan playing deep and looking to set up play, while Keegan Oliver and Josh Slattery played important roles in the key defensive posts. Echuca United have had the generally preferred route to the Grand Final, and should be primed for a big performance today. I think the Eagles have the drive and confidence to be MFL Premiers in 2013, and for the first time ever in the Murray Football League.
Reserves - Mulwala v Tongala
Match Start Time 12.10pm
The Reserves should be a fantastic game of entertaining footy. The Lions have been undefeated on top of the ladder all season. They have 2 of the leading goal kickers in Dylan Flanagan with 114 goals and Daniel Kirchen with 48 goals. The Lions have taken all before them this season and will be tough to defeat again today, with League Medallist Chris O’Neill and Ty Primmer, Jason Sanderson, Michael O’Riordan and Cory Parish leading the way. Tongala have gathered a very experienced group of players together and really gained momentum though the finals series. Led by Coach Andrew Reid they have big name players in Adam Brunt, Mark Reid, and 2012 Damian Jones Medallist Ash Hughes. It will be interesting to see who they play on Flanagan and Kirchen, the Blues will possibly look to Kieran Brennan and Nathan Ryan to do the job. While Liam Brennan, Corey Nexhip, Zane Johnstone and Daniel Humphreys will all be important players for the Blues. I expect a really tough close match, but the Lions should get the job done.
Under 17 - Moama v Finley
Match Start Time 10.30am
Moama take on Finley in the U17 premiership clash. Both teams possess some very talented footballers and it should be a fantastic game of football. Moama will look to Aidyn Johnston, Lachie Schultz, Jamarrah Firebrace and Clay McGregor to be key players around the ground. Up forward they have Jake Toll 42 goals, Clay Poidevin and Jack Hughes to boot a winning score. While defenders Pat Bourke, Keana Hall and Joel Murphy will have the task of restricting the Cats scoring. Finley have been very impressive in their finals appearances to date and will be boosted by the availability of Allister Clarke today. They will enter the match full of confidence led by Bailey Burke, Grant Smith, Dallas Sibraa, Roy Farley and Luke Congram in the middle. They have some dangerous forwards in Jess Koopman 57 goals, Daly Shannon and Jesse McDonald. While defenders Kyle Coates and Rowan Smith will have big roles to play for their team. The Cats have some real momentum and confidence at the moment and may just get over the line.
Under 14 - Moama v Cobram
Match Start Time 9.00am
Moama have gone through the season undefeated and completely dominating the competition. They should have too many guns for the young Tigers after a 62 point victory in the 2nd Semi Final. Moama has medallist Jeremy Pain along with Noah Wheeler, Jack Russell, Max Ogilvie, Todd Murphy and Darcy Elliott to get them over the line. The Tigers have had a great season and will be keen to take the game right up to Moama. Noah Lane, Sam Beasley, Sam Crosby, Jack Lavery and Mitchell Hemming and their teammates will need to play big games if they are to cause an upset. On performances this season Moama should prove too good on the final siren.
