AFL Sydney Grand Final preview
By Luke Turner
It will be a contest of the two most talented sides in the competition. Fourteen players (eight for Balmain, six for UNSW/ES) were named in the AFL Sydney Team of the Year, while twenty-two players turned out for the League in the Senior and Development representative squads.
UNSW/ES have had an impressive back-end to the season, claiming the minor premiership and narrowly defeating Pennant Hills in their last clash a fortnight ago to qualify for the big dance.
Balmain has come through three cutthroat finals after missing out on a double chance with a loss to St George in the final round. Their form in the finals has been most impressive and they thoroughly deserve their Grand Final spot after beating St George, North Shore and then Pennant Hills last weekend by nine points.
Neither side has many excuses with UNSW/ES only missing big man, Anthony Rodrigues through suspension, while Dane Noble (long-term injury) would be the only walk-up starter missing for Balmain.
There is a fascinating synergy amongst the two sides. The last time these two sides won a premiership was as part of a successive run (UNSW/ES 2002-03 and Balmain 1997-98). The only standing player from those premierships is Bulldogs’ captain, Peter Kefalas.
The last time the two sides featured in a Grand Final was they were both defeated by the then-called East Coast Eagles as part of their three-peat (UNSW/ES in 2009 and Balmain last year). Coincidentally, current Balmain players Jason Coulloupas and Troy Luff both turned out for UNSW/ES in the 2009 Grand Final loss.
Coulloupas will come into the Balmain side after being absent over the finals series with work commitments overseas. His experience and ability to rotate through the midfield will be a handy ace up Balmain’s sleeve. His inclusion might be compensation for Jackson Monk who is in doubt with a bicep injury.
Both coaches identified pressure as the key to the Grand Final result. The midfield will be pivotal in this regard. The likes of Dane Rampe, Peter Kefalas and Max Collett will go head-to-head with Gerard Wilkie, Craig White and Leigh Conway.
Leigh Lavery and Ben Taggart are clearly the main goal kickers for both sides and will be well marked given the strength of both side’s defensive structures. UNSW/ES have the elusive Matt Rawlinson and Josh Parmenter who can bob up and kick goals, while Balmain will rely on Aaron Cottrell and a potential X-factor in Brad Plug to act as a reliable foil.
There are always stories around each Grand Final. The evergreen Troy Luff is still seeking his first senior Premiership after a long and decorated career including a 150 plus game stint with the Sydney Swans. On the Bulldogs side, Lavery and Tim Garrett are veterans of the side who will desperate for premiership glory with their beloved club.
The ledger between the two sides stands at one-all; a dead-lock that will be decided come Saturday evening.
Tip– Balmain has done a superb job making the Grand Final but UNSW/ES will be fresh and proved a lot of doubters wrong with their finals win over Pennant Hills. Bulldogs by 15 points.
Previous Encounters
Round 17– Balmain 16.8.104 def. UNSW/ES 14/16.100 at Henson Park
Round 3- UNSW/ES 17.12.114 def. Balmain 11.15.81 at Village Green
Key Match-Ups
Sam Tagliabue (UNSW/ES) vs Kristian Ericson (Balmain)- Any ruck duel is always important but given the quality of the two midfields, first supply will be crucial. Tagliabue has enjoyed a break-out season claiming the AFL Sydney Rising Star after representing AFL Sydney and AFL NSW-ACT. Ericson’s return from injury has been timely, allowing Selby Lee-Steere to play a key role in defence. This aides their structure with Ericson proving more than a handful in the ruck.
Dane Rampe (UNSW/ES) vs Craig White (Balmain) – You can do worse than watch the two Rolls-Royce’s of the competitions go at it. The two have done it all this season from a representative point of view and both finished in the top three of the Phelan Medal count. Whoever has a greater bearing on the contest could well win the match off their bat.
Leigh Lavery (UNSW/ES) vs Kristian Pearson (Balmain) – Lavery who was born on Christmas Day will hope for an early present in terms of a premiership. He has been in superb touch this year, claiming the Stan Milton Medal and has kicked 93 goals from 19 games this season. Kristian Pearson will get the job on the full-forward and has had a new lease of life over the course of the finals.
Alex Henderson (UNSW/ES) vs. Ben Taggart (Balmain) – At the other end of the ground, Taggart has been in ominous touch this finals series with 14 goals from three finals matches. This is a great performance given he was in doubt after missing the final round against St George with injury. Henderson has been a welcome return from injury himself and has the motor to go with Taggart. This will be his toughest test and will need to stand tall in the contested duels.
Peter Kefalas (UNSW/ES) vs. Gerard Wilkie (Balmain) – Wilkie would be high in reckoning for the Podbury Medal as best afield in the Grand Final such is his ability to win the football in the clinches. He has grown in form over the course of the season and will need to be closely monitored. Kefalas is accountable and has been around the block once or twice. He has had a superb season and looms as a threat himself.
