West Coburg and Oak Park will lock horns in what promises to be an engrossing Community Bank Strathmore Division One grand final on Saturday.
While the major semi-final between the pair was one-sided, with the Burgers earning a direct passage through to the decider, expect a closer contest at Coburg City Oval this weekend, with the first bounce scheduled for 2.15pm.
The Kangaroos advanced to another grand final after surviving a tough contest against the division's most-improved club, Moonee Valley, in last week's preliminary final.
Both teams are not short on big names, setting the stage for another September battle to remember, with promotion to Premier Division the prize for the victor.
Both coaches are looking to hoist the cup in their first year at the helm, with West Coburg led by Cole Harvey and Oak Park steered by Luke Williams.
THE FORM
Only percentage separated the two clubs after the home-and-away rounds, both finishing with a 15-3 record as West Coburg claimed the minor premiership.
The Burgers suffered back-to-back defeats to Oak Park and Moonee Valley in rounds 14 and 15, while their only other defeat came against the Kangaroos in Round 2. But while Oak Park had the better of the regular-season contests, Cole Harvey's men were razor sharp in the major semi final on August 29, powering to a 72-point victory to earn premiership favouritism.
However, it would be foolish to rule a line through the Kangaroos, who have lost just twice since May, their other defeat coming against Moonee Valley in Round 16.
KEY PLAYERS
Expect West Coburg star Dinny Cleary to again be prominent on Saturday. The co-captain has enjoyed another productive campaign, named in the best 13 times from 18 appearances. Omar Saad, Muhammad Saad, and Tom Baravi have also been ever-consistent performers. Ibby Taha (57 goals) and Jesse Martini (49) have starred in the attacking half. Dual AFL premiership player Brandon Ellis may also have a big say in the result.
Oak Park has some guns of its own, with Lachlan Stredwick, Tyson Old, Anthony Delorenzi, Paul Pascu, and big man Josh Hotchkin having standout seasons. Kane O'Halloran has 62 goals to his name and Adam Del Busso 51.
RECENT FINALS HISTORY
The Burgers have been perennial contenders without claiming the ultimate prize. They lost three consecutive grand finals from 2022-24 and were bundled out in straight sets last year after finishing the home-and-away rounds in second spot.
Oak Park is also chasing a slice of redemption after losing last year's grand final to Hillside. They claimed the 2023 Division Two flag.
SELECTION
In: Jonah Horo, Marwan Abdulwahed, Ahmed Abdul-wahed, Marco Serruto.
Out: Luke McLeod.
In: Maclayn Hallows, Bradley Cox, James Mckay.
Out: nil.
RIVAL COACHES' VERDICT
Cale Bettanin and Jack Carlyon (Craigieburn co-coaches)
West Coburg, 30 points
"West Coburg are very clean inside the contest and spread quickly when they get out and get the ball inside 50 quickly. If Oak Park can apply pressure at the contest and slow West Coburg down, they are right in it."
Andrew Horne (Moonee Valley coach)
West Coburg, 38 points
"Both teams are really strong. We probably found West Coburg a little more challenging in terms of their shape and size, and they're pretty big. But both teams are pretty well rounded, well coached and I know I've tipped West Coburg, but I hope it's a cracking game and I hope the best team wins."
Steve Burns (former Taylors Lakes coach)
West Coburg, 25 points
"Second semi result is hard to ignore. West Coburg is fresh and ready to go."
Brad Fox (former Rupertswood coach)
Oak Park, 4 points
"If Oak Park can steel themselves for the contest and get the ball to the outside, I think they can limit West Coburg’s scoring opportunities. This will be low scoring and the team that kicks straightest wins. It’s rare that West Coburg converts efficiently. Oak Park by under a goal."
Shaun Thompson (St Albans coach)
Draw
"If West Coburg can stamp their physicality and add fast scoreboard pressure, it will be very hard for Oak Park to run them down. However, if Oak Park can get them on the outside with their spread handball game and add their own scoreboard pressure, it will be interesting as I'm not sure if West Coburg have had much experience running down teams. As both coaches are very good mates of mine, and I would like to keep it that way, I’ll go a draw."
