RESERVES
THREE teams will be looking to top off the perfect season, with Kerang’s reserves, Woorinen’s Colts and Lake Boga’s Under 14.5s all undefeated heading into tomorrow’s grand finals.
The battle for the reserves premiership between Kerang and Lake Boga will be intriguing, with the Blues winning the only clash between the teams this year by 13 points back in round 9.
Kerang will go into the clash as favourites, with their key player being league reserves best and fairest winner Cody Tuohey.
Tuohey has been a revelation for the Blues, commanding the ball through midfield and from a defensive position, and linking up well with his brother, Logan.
The speedy ball-winner provides his side with run and drive and is a clean user.
Ruckman Rylee Gitsham has been another of Kerang’s stand-out performers, providing their fleet of speedy on-ballers with clean looks at stoppages.
Down forward, it’s been Alex Lloyd has been the standout, kicking 39 goals through the regular season, including a bag of six and two five-goal hauls.
That form carried into Kerang’s only finals game so far, with Lloyd kicking another five goals in Kerang’s semi-final against Woorinen.
But Kerang will have to play to their best if they want to get over a Lake Boga side who carry real momentum into the grand final.
Following their Round 14 bye, the Magpies have won six of their last seven games including two upset wins in their finals matchups.
After defeating NNW United in their semi-final, the Magpies then jumped Woorinen in the preliminary final and never looked back.
Once again, the Lake Boga side has been spearheaded by last year’s league best and fairest, Tobie Richardson, who polled well again in this year’s reserves count.
Richardson was named as runner-up behind Tuohey, and the pair are likely to go head-to-head tomorrow.
The Pies will need another strong showing from Richardson, alongside Mitchell Whitfield and Hunter Hartland if they want to achieve the fairytale ending.
COLTS
Lake Boga will also need to be at their best in the Colts grand final to cause an upset against unbeaten Woorinen.
Woorinen’s only slip-up this season came in the form as a draw against a Kerang side they defeated in the semi final.
The pairing of Len Mathieson Medallist Tahj Bolton and forward Hugh Thompson, who finished third in the league goalkicking with 65, is a tough prospect for the Lake Boga side.
But the Magpies will be flying high thanks to a 54-point win against Kerang in the preliminary final.
Kai Everett, Koben Ryan and Nicholas Taylor all played immense roles in the win, and will need to bring that form if they are to upset the Tigers.
UNDER 14.5s
With three football sides in the big dance, Lake Boga’s Under 14.5s loom as the only favourites.
The Magpies young guns have not dropped a game and defeating their grand final opponent Tooleybuc-Managatang two weeks ago.
Jarra Kelly has shown his goal-kicking skills this season, kicking 57 goals for the season, 10 clear of his closest competitor.
He will be a key for the Magpies, while Campbell Fisher and Connor Hazlett will be hoping to continue their fantastic form for the Saints.
