By Effie Caloutas
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
Olinda v Woori Yallock
Saturday 23 September at Yarra Glen Football Ground
Last time they met: Woori Yallock 16.11 (107) d Olinda Ferny Creek 12.7 (79)
In what is sure to be a well-attended and closely fought grand final, Olinda Ferny Creek hosts Woori Yallock in the Division 1 grand final.
Olinda Ferny Creek will be full of confidence, after ramming home a 96-point victory against Healesville last weekend, while Woori booked their place in the decider through their 28-point victory against their opponents on Saturday.
Olinda Ferny Creek has won four of its past five matches, while ladder-leader Woori has won five in succession.
This faultless block follows a stellar season for the Tigers, who finished as minor premiers on 60 points with a percentage of 189.13, while Olinda Ferny Creek finished behind them on second on 58 points with a percentage of 182.63.
Olinda Ferny Creek coach Brendan Donovan said the players have learnt their lesson from last year’s grand final loss and are looking forward to taking on Woori.
“I would like to know that the boys can do better than last year,” he said.
“We will be best for the experience of last year. We learnt a lot.”
Donovan believes that his players are capable of playing elite footy; however, they need to be able to stay in the game when momentum is not going their way.
“We have had our ups and downs this year,” he said.
“Our best footy is good, but we need to stay in the game when things aren’t going our way.”
As Olinda prepares to better the result from last year, Woori Yallock is coming into the grand final fresh after one week’s rest following their semi-final victory.
According to coach Barry Macdonald the players are well-prepared coming into this weekend’s match.
“It’s a balance between excited and nervous,” he said.
“We trained on the weekend, and trained on Tuesday night primed and ready to go.”
The Woori Yallock coach said he was excited for his players this weekend.
“I’m excited for the challenge against Olinda,” he said.
“This is the biggest challenge of the year and our preparation couldn’t get any better.
“I really believe we are human and we enjoy these moments and hopefully the boys can get a victory come Saturday.”
