Grand Final — Saturday 22 September 4.00pm (EST) — UNSW/ES vs Balmain Dockers at Blacktown International Sports Park
Fremantle partner club the Balmain Dockers play in the AFL Sydney Premier Division Grand Final this Saturday evening at Blacktown International Sports Park.
The Dockers take on the UNSW/ES Bulldogs in a contest between the two of the most talented sides in the competition. Fourteen players from both sides (eight for Balmain, six for UNSW/ES) were named in the AFL Sydney Team of the Year.
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, on the other hand, have had to come through three cut-throat 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.
In an interesting sidenote, the last time these two sides won premierships were in back-back years (UNSW/ES 2002-03 and Balmain 1997-98). The only standing player from those flags is Bulldogs’ captain, Peter Kefalas.
Coincidentally, current Balmain players Jason Coulloupas and Troy Luff both turned out for UNSW/ES in their 2009 Grand Final loss.
The evergreen Luff is still seeking his first senior Premiership after a long and decorated career which includes a 150 plus game stint with the Sydney Swans.
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.
Both coaches identified pressure as the key to Saturday’s result, with the midfield pivotal. The likes of Dane Rampe, Kefalas and Max Collett will go head-to-head with Gerard Wilkie, Craig White and Leigh Conway.
Leigh Lavery and Ben Taggart are the main goal kickers for both teams and will be well marked given the strength of both 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 foil.
The ledger between the two sides stands at one-all this season; a dead-lock that will be decided come Saturday evening.
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
