The anticipation is building for the grand final clash in the Tallangatta & District Football League (TDFL) as Kiewa-Sandy Creek prepares to face Barnawartha on Saturday. Many coaches have weighed in on the matchup, with Yackandandah’s premiership skipper, Ben McIntosh, encapsulating the prevailing sentiment: “It’s Kiewa’s granny to lose.” This opinion is echoed by a significant majority, with eight out of ten coaches polled by The Border Mail favouring Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
Entering the final, Kiewa-Sandy Creek boasts an impressive record, having won 18 out of 19 matches this season. Their recent performance against Barnawartha, where they triumphed by ten goals in the second semi-final, further strengthens their position as favourites. Yet, Barnawartha remains a formidable opponent, having previously defeated Kiewa earlier in the season, albeit under circumstances where Kiewa was undermanned.
Strategies and Insights from Coaches
The insight from Brad Hibberson, Chiltern’s coach, offers a glimpse into the potential strategies Barnawartha may employ. Hibberson, who successfully turned the tables against Kiewa last season, underscores the importance of adapting after a loss. “When you get comprehensively beaten in a final, it gives you an opportunity to reflect on what went wrong,” he stated. Hibberson emphasized the mental aspect of the game, suggesting that if Barnawartha can exert pressure early, they may capitalize on any weaknesses in Kiewa’s game plan.
A critical component for Barnawartha will be the return of ruckman Seamus Quinn, who missed the second semi-final due to a wedding commitment. His presence is expected to significantly impact the ruck contests against Kiewa’s Tristan Mann, as Quinn is recognized for his physicality and experience. “Quinn has got a big body, is taller and a recognised ruckman, which will help them compete better in the midfield,” Hibberson noted.
Kiewa’s coach, Zac Fulford, has cultivated a versatile squad that can adapt to various match situations. His team has consistently demonstrated an ability to exploit mismatches on the field, which will be crucial against Barnawartha. Fulford’s squad features several key players capable of delivering standout performances, though they must remain vigilant against Barnawartha’s tactical approaches.
Predictions and Expectations
As the match approaches, the predictions are overwhelmingly in favour of Kiewa-Sandy Creek. Coaches across the league have shared their forecasts, with Richard Lamb from Tallangatta predicting a 38-point victory for Kiewa, citing their consistent dominance throughout the season. Similarly, Zack Pleming from Wodonga Saints expects Kiewa to win by 27 points, asserting that the Tigers face an uphill battle to reverse their previous defeat.
In contrast, John Luci from Wahgunyah is one of the few dissenting voices, predicting an upset victory for Barnawartha by 14 points. He suggests that if the game dynamics favour an open style of play, the Tigers could find opportunities to exploit Kiewa’s structure.
Despite the varying opinions, one thing is clear: the grand final is set to be a thrilling encounter. As the match unfolds at Sandy Creek on Saturday, the stakes are high, and both teams will be eager to showcase their strengths. With Kiewa-Sandy Creek’s impressive track record and Barnawartha’s potential for surprise, football fans can expect a compelling showdown in the TDFL grand final.
