By MICHAEL HABER
THE stakes could not be higher.
Promotion to Essendon Ford Division 1 is on the line.
These two sides faced each other in the first round of finals, a match in which the Magpies asserted their dominance early to run away with an easy 50-point victory.
Roxburgh Park were awarded with a week off after their win over East Keilor, meaning that they will be focussed and fresh going into the Grand Final.
The Magpies will want to do more of the same as what they did in that first final.
They started off strong, kicking five goals in the first quarter. This was due to their fantastic forward line.
Luke Capuano and Tumay Hamza will be important. The attacking pressure that they provide is pivotal to their club’s success.
East Keilor looked to have ironed out all the problems that arose in the Roxburgh Park final against Moonee Valley last week.
They were able to do what they were known for all year, finding the loose man and using run and carry of the ball and this overwhelmed their opponents, ultimately leading them to victory.
This week they need to make sure that they do not let Roxburgh Park get a quick start as they did last time.
Their midfielders will need to attack the ball and push it forward as often as possible and not give Roxburgh Park the chance to kick away early.
Harley Short has been one of Roxburgh Park’s best players all year and his importance in the final will be essential to a Magpie victory.
His ability to hit targets, run with the ball and pile on attacking pressure will be significant for his side.
Reece Tarczon will also be crucial for his side. His attacking skills and his toughness around the ball will give his side a much-needed edge in contests.
Pressure in the contest is important this week as East Keilor are exceptional at winning them.
East Keilor’s midfield will have their work cut out for them.
Last week against Moonee Valley, East Keilor were able to notch a high clearance count, proving that their midfield is definitely one to be feared.
Peter Tsavdaridis played a magnificent game in the Prelim. He provided some much-needed pace to his side and this proved to be a winning factor for the Cougars.
Paris Grampsas will again be important this week. Being the key defender he has his work cut out for him against a very potent forward line.
Two years ago these two played in a Grand Final and East Keilor took the cake with a 28-point victory.
Roxburgh Park have been the best team this season, though, so they will be favourite, especially considering what they did to the Cougars two weeks ago.
East Keilor, though, have a lot of pressure on them, too.
They will be wanting to get back into Essendon Ford Division 1.
This Grand Final will be intense and will definitely produce the best football Division 2 has to offer.
