Joeys and Saints go head to head in blockbuster GFL grand final

ST JOSEPH’S and St Mary’s will battle for the Geelong Football League premiership in a blockbuster clash today (Friday, September 26) at GMHBA Stadium.

In a fight between two local powerhouses, minor premiers Joeys will enter the match following a week off thanks to their Semi-Final win over Colac, while the Saints have built momentum at the perfect time and have reached the grand final from fourth spot.

It comes after St Mary’s hung on in a thrilling Preliminary Final against Colac, which saw the side turn a seven-point deficit at half time into a gutsy 11-point win in miserable conditions at West Oval.

Fans will be in for a classic if the Big Freeze clash in Round 6 is anything to go by, where the Joeys clawed back from 26 points down at three-quarter time to knock the Saints off by five points at Anthony Costa Oval. A combined 32 goals were kicked on the day.

It will be the first time the sides have clashed in a Grand Final since 2018, where Joeys prevailed by nine points at Kardinia Park.

Joeys are hunting for their first flag since that victory seven years ago, while the Saints will have their first shot at premiership glory since their win over Leopold in 2022.

For St Joseph’s, youngsters such as James Hose, Joel Edwards and Liam Kershaw, will be crucial in the side, complemented by more experienced stars such as James Gow, Paddy De Grandi and Jack Mullen.

Key tall duo Sam Bourke and Michael Rudd will be the catalysts for the Saints, with both being used at either side of the ground strategically in their first three finals wins. The intensity of skipper Jack Blood and the class of star Brayden Ham should also prove critical.

Newtown & Chilwell will take on St Mary’s in the Reserves Grand Final, while South Barwon and Ocean Grove will face off for the Under-18 premiership.