Golden Plains derby and Eagles, Centrals battle for GDFNL flags

FOUR Geelong & District Football Netball League (GDFNL) clubs will make the trip to St Albans Reserve this Saturday, September 10 for the chance to be crowned premiers.

Inverleigh and Bannockburn will square off in the senior football Grand Final, while Werribee Centrals will contest its fifth flag in eight years against East Geelong in the A Grade netball decider.

For the first time, the GDFL final will be played between the two Golden Plains sides.

Hawks captain Jack Fiolet said it was a really exciting feeling knowing the game would be an all-Golden Plains affair, a matchup that has historically been played on Anzac Day.

“I’ve played with and grown up with a lot of people at both clubs, we’re all really good mates and it’s unreal for the region.

“We do lose a lot of juniors over the years to go play better footy, and this shows if you stick around with your local clubs, you’ll get the chance to showcase your talent on a stage like this.”

Bannockburn captain Daniel Measures will return to action in time for the GDFL decider after suffering an ankle injury in week one of the finals.

“We get a big crowd usually between the two teams and there’s a big rivalry,” he said.

“This year momentum is a big thing; you can have a big turnaround and I think we have potential in the team to do win it this year.

“Inverleigh is a really good team, obviously they’re going to try to win it having not done it before. Both teams will come at it hard, it will be a good contest to watch.”

East Geelong co-captain Stephanie Boyce said there is no guarantees after winning a minor premiership like her Eagles has attained, especially against a seasoned Werribee Centrals side in finals.

“The top four is so close.

“With Werribee they have a strong and physical game, so we know that when we go out on that court it is going to be a fight from start to finish.

“We’re really excited to play them.”

Centurions captain Amanda O’Malley said consistency had been the key heading into finals, reaching the big dance despite a fourth-place ladder position, but its biggest challenge now awaits.

“We’ve tried to focus on being consistent across the whole court over the season, and the last few games that has really clicked for us.

“Normally we’re in a position we don’t have to play all of these finals games, but that has worked in our favour I believe, it has allowed our form to continue building.”

The opening bounce for the football will take place at 2.15pm, while netball will start at 3.15pm.