EDFL Division 1 grand final preview: Airport West v West Coburg

Airport West are the red hot favourites for the EDFL Division 1 premiership but don’t dare discount West Coburg who could have a star return. Here’s what you need to know.

The journeys Airport West and West Coburg have taken to the EDFL Division 1 grand final couldn’t be more different.

Airport West has been one of the raging hot favourites all season.

West Coburg snuck into finals footy on the back of a game delayed by lightning then they’ve suddenly exploded to storm into the decider.

The Eagles are many people’s hot tip to take home the silverware at Windy Hill on Sunday and earn promotion to Premier Division.

But the Burgers can’t be discounted with plenty of classy players of their own.

Airport West took the two games during the home-and-away season but they’ll count for nothing when the two sides run out just after 2pm.

What a cracker we have in store.

WHAT THE COACHES SAID

Airport West, Trent Rogers: “We’re glad to finally be here, the week off can feel like a long time. We’ve had really good numbers on the track with both the seniors and reserves in their own respective grand finals. It was good to get to the preliminary final and have a look last week, it was a cracking game of footy.

“There’s been a big focus on our own game in the past couple of weeks and not trying to overthink the situation. This opportunity is because of the discipline this group has shown this year from training to their recovery.

“Both teams are going to look very different compared to how they have when we’ve played during the year. Their forward line is very potent so it’s important we get our match-ups right — but that’s been one of our strengths this year being able to adjust on the fly.”

Airport West coach Trent Rogers. Picture: Stuart Milligan

West Coburg coach Dale May. Photo: Hamish Blair

West Coburg, Dale May: “If you had of asked me a month ago if we’d been playing in a grand final, especially at halftime of the last round against Rupertswood, I probably would have told you you’re dreaming. But the boys have never given up and have done everything we’ve asked of them. We’re a grinding side and that’s shown in the way we’ve played this year especially the last few weeks.

“We’re going to be a very different looking side to earlier in the year. We had 10 out from the side that will play this weekend in round 5 and the second time we had seven missing.

“If we get the room to move the ball we’ll be pretty dangerous. A key for us will be trying to keep the ball in our forward line and cause a bit of scrap where we can and I think the ground might allow that. The first thing I always say to the boys your first job is to beat your man. If 15 of our players do that we’ll be right in the game.”

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dominic Dean Spagnolo, West Coburg

The West Coburg big man is peaking at the right time of the season, playing his best footy in the last month. Has the ability to dominate at centre bounce and always seems to be in the right spot to intercept mark. Played a blinder against Tullamarine and now his teammates will be hoping he can back it up.

Lynden Dunn, West Coburg

Sunday’s decider will be Dunn’s first look at the Eagles this season after missing the previous two matches. He is the Burgers’ leading goalkicker with 33 goals from 12 matches and is yet to be held goalless. Brings a bit of energy as a key forward and isn’t afraid to get in the opposition’s face. Ensures his teammates are always in the right spot forward of the footy.

Lynden Dunn shapes as a matchwinner for West Coburg. Photo: Hamish Blair

Abdikhane Fitaax of West Coburg. Picture: Hamish Blair

Abdikhane Fitaax, West Coburg

Slightly down in the preliminary final victory but he’s not often quiet two weeks in a row. A brilliant player who creates plenty out of the back half for the Burgers. If he gets off the chain do the Eagles look at a tag perhaps? Only time will tell.

Ned Gentile, Airport West

An easy selection for the Eagles after a brilliant year with 70 goals to his name, kicking three in his previous outing against West Coburg. Whoever gets the job on this young man will have their hands full. If Airport West kick away, Gentile could be the man responsible.

Ivan Pavlovic, Airport West

The man for the big jobs. Alongside Clayton Rogers, Pavlovic will play an important role in straightening up the Eagles’ defence. Can easily play on a small or tall such is the luxury he offers to his coach Trent Rogers.

It could take a few to stop Tyson Young. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Tyson Young, Airport West

Do we have to say much more about the Eagles superstar? Returned to the club at the start of the season after a year away with Greenvale in Premier Division and has slotted back in seamlessly. In a team full of class, Young is as classy as they come.

THE X-FACTORS

Seth Robinson, Airport West

Has a massive job on his hands against Dean Spagnolo in what should be an enthralling contest. His athleticism should allow him to cover the ground nicely. Will work in tandem with Patrik Balta.

Seth Robinson has proven he’s up to the challenge this season. Photo: Hamish Blair

Patrick McCallum, West Coburg

Won huge praise from his coach after the preliminary final and looms as a gun for years to come. Can create plenty with his run out of defence but will also have to keep a close eye on his opponents around goal given Airport West’s class.

TEAM NEWS

Airport West

It’s a clean bill of health coming out of Hansen Reserve heading into the decider. Former West Coburg star Ibrahim Taha was in the reserves for the second semi-final where he kicked two goals and was named in the best, so he’ll be hopeful of earning selection. Reuben William, who is VFL listed with Werribee, is available in a huge boost for the Eagles

West Coburg

It’s difficult to see the Burgers making a selection change after such a thrilling victory in last week’s preliminary final. Star man Liam Bowkett is expected to return in a massive boost for Dale May’s side. They got through the Tullamarine game unscathed.