by Peter Baird (Twitter: @frostybaird)
MONTROSE or Mooroolbark? Everyone has a view and tip on how a Grand Final will play out and which team will be crowned the premiers.
Perhaps those with the best insight, though, are the men who coached against the two teams squaring off in the Division 2 ‘Choose Tap’ Grand Final tomorrow afternoon.
I caught up with the other eight coaches from Division 2, asking for their tips and views ahead of the big game.
Paul Newlands (Croydon – 3rd)
Prediction – Montrose by 15 points
‘If it keeps raining, Mooroolbark are definitely a chance, but I think that Montrose’s run and spread will hurt Mooroolbark on a fine day. Defensively, Montrose are very good and they are ready to go up to Division 1 next year.’
Brett Moyle (North Ringwood – 4th)
Prediction – Montrose by 16 points
‘Montrose have such an even spread across the field and their best three or four midfielders are all quality. They will get enough ball into their forward line for them to kick a winning score. They are well led by Brett Johnson and their time is right to win a flag.’
Neil Winterton (Bayswater – 5th)
Prediction – Montrose by 10 points
‘Montrose will be a little more desperate after their losses in Grand Finals over the past couple of years. The week off last week will definitely help them and I think Brett Johnson will have them ready to go.’
Ryan James (Mulgrave – 6th)
Prediction – Mooroolbark by 12 points
‘The Mooroolbark midfield is not as reliant on a few key individuals like Montrose’s. Matt Polkinghorne looks primed for a big one tomorrow and Mooroolbark seem to go alright against Montrose. They had their chances in the Second Semi-Final and have already beaten them this year. They know they are good enough. They just need to do it for long enough.’
Paris Harvie (Doncaster East – 7th)
Prediction – Mooroolbark by 11 points
‘The Mooroolbark midfield have some bigger bodies and will love the contested ball situation if it rains and is wet tomorrow. They will come to the fore in those conditions and see the Mustangs over the line. If it is dry, the game could be decided by the bounce of the ball. It’s that close for mine.’
Graeme Cuff (Donvale – 8th)
Prediction – Montrose by 18 points
‘I just think that Montrose is stronger than Mooroolbark across all the lines. They have been the form team all year having only lost a couple of games by one point each time. They are primed for a win and are itching for a spot in Division 1.’
Brett Davidson (Waverley Blues – 9th)
Prediction – Mooroolbark by 5 points
‘I’m really only going on a gut feeling. I’ve seen a lot of football over the years and you need an X-factor to win a close Grand Final. Mooroolbark have some of those types of players and Montrose may find it hard to combat the likes of Georgiou, Polkinghorne and big Sean Roach. If it’s close, the pressure of being favourites may be too much for Montrose.’
Andy Hayman (Upper Ferntree Gully – 10th)
Prediction – Montrose by 8 points
‘Having the week off last week will be vital in the context of the game. Mooroolbark played a tough, physical contest against Croydon and Montrose will be fresh going into match. I think that the Montrose forward line could be the difference. They have multiple avenues to goal, and if they can control the midfield they will win the game.’
The Final Verdict – Montrose 5 – Mooroolbark 3
The coaches seem split, with Montrose slightly getting the nod.
What is clear though is that many believe the weather may play a huge part in Mooroolbark’s chances and that Montrose will benefit from having had the week off last weekend.
Whatever the final result, all the coaches agree it should be a fantastic, close contest with no one selecting a margin in excess of three goals.
