PROFILE
You have to admire Kerang – they just know how to get the job done at this time of year.
The Blues have been the benchmark in 2023, having gone through the home and away season undefeated to again finish clear on top of the Central Murray ladder.
There are a lot of similarities between this year and last, when Kerang was forced to qualify for the last dance via the preliminary final after going down to the Cohuna Kangas in the second semi-final.
Fast forward 12 months and the Blues again had to do it the hard way after Balranald did a number on them in the second semi-final, forcing them into a preliminary final showdown against NNW United.
But just as they did last year, the Blues monstered their preliminary final opposition, and the extra run may ultimately help their cause in the decider.
Getting that game under the belt of Lachlan Ross, Bradlee Pay, Michael Dalrymple and Sam Heavyside could be just what the doctor ordered, with the quartet all missing a considerable chunk of the season.
All four players are so important to the Blues’ structure across the ground, and will bring a completely different look to the side that ran out of legs in the last quarter of the second semi-final.
Kerang are a quality side, and at their best, they are the best, as evidenced by 16 straight wins this season.
That doesn’t happen by accident, and even though six of those wins were by less than two goals, it proves they know how to win the close ones.
Statistically, the Blues also have both the best defence and attack in the competition, averaging more points for and less points against per game than every other team, despite not possessing a dominant key forward or key defender.
What they do have is structure and consistency, along with competitors who never quit, like Josh Hunter, Ash Davis and Gregor Knight in defence and Caleb Nitschke, Adam Hunter and Hayden Hall up forward.
None of them are as well known as Ryan Gillingham, Troy Coates, Brad Pay or Jesse Clark, but they are all dangerous when combined as a group, such is their intricate knowledge of each other’s games.
There was no better example of this than last Saturday against NNW United, with Kerang’s slick ball movement and complete team buy-in obliterating the Demons in a dominant first quarter.
While Kerang would like to claim the underdog tag after their semi-final fade out, the reality is Saturday is at best a 50-50 contest – and with grand final experience on their side, that could give them the edge if the score gets tight at the end.
2023 JACK BETTS MEDAL – TOP FIVE
19 – Rylee Smith
13 – Josh Nitschke
12 – Ryan Gillingham
9 – Nick Lang
8 – Martin Kelly
LEADING GOALKICKERS
35 – Bradlee Pay
30 – Rylee Smith
22 – Troy Coates
20 – Hayden Hall
19 – Michael Runciman
KEY PLAYERS
Rylee Smith – Brings genuine speed to Kerang’s midfield and should enjoy the wide-open spaces of the Swan Hill Rec. Reserve. Has consistently been among the Blues better players this season and deservingly won his first senior best and fairest. Dominated the first half against Balranald in round 17 and will be looking to replicate that form again in pursuit of his second premiership medallion.
Josh Nitschke – Dominated grand final day 12 months ago and will find the conditions to his liking once again. Another consistent season from the Blues skipper in the midfield saw him finish runner-up in Kerang’s best and fairest thanks to his big tank and sublime foot skills. Can hurt opposition teams both inside and outside the contest.
Bradlee Pay – After missing last year’s premiership through an achilles injury, Pay will be as determined as anyone to have a big say on Saturday’s grand final. Set last week’s preliminary final alight, kicking the first three goals of the match, before finishing with six for the game in his comeback from a hamstring injury.
