The key areas Oak Park will target in the EDFL decider

Ahead of this weekend's EDFL Division 2 grand final, Oak Park coach Todd Clark has identified three areas he is targeting to ensure premiership success.

Back with a shot at redemption, Oak Park coach Todd Clark knows his side can’t afford to take anything for granted in a grand final.

Clark’s side will take on Sunbury Kangaroos in the EDFL Division 2 grand final on Saturday afternoon at Coburg City Oval as they look to bounce back from last year’s loss on the final day of the season.

The two sides only faced off in the final round of the home-and-away season as Oak Park prevailed by three points.

According to Clark both sides “match up well”.

“There’s plenty of excitement around this week, as there should be,” he said.

“Our guys are in a good place and have been looking forward to this. Having had the week off, we’ve had quite a bit of time to think about it.

“We’re just glad it’s finally here and can’t wait to see we’re able to do.”

There will be total commitment. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Ahead of the game, which gets underway at 2.15pm, Clark gave an insight what will be key to his side’s potential success on Saturday afternoon.

FRONT HALF PRESSURE

“Like any grand final, the first 10 to 15 minutes is going to be nervous when both sides are still trying to find their feet,” Clark said.

“The ball is going to be hot and it’s important for us to get our hands on it first. If we can do that, we want to lock it in our front half of the ground and create scoring opportunities for ourselves.

“An early goal or two can go a long way to settling the nerves. If either side is able to do that, I think they’ll have the momentum.”

Sunbury Kangaroos must be slowed down. Picture: Andy Brownbill

CONTROL THE PACE OF THE GAME

“We know they’re (Sunbury Kangaroos) are a really good running side and can cover the ground quickly,” he said.

“Especially out of defence, the likes of (Mitch) Kook can hurt you if you give them the opportunity. There’s a bit more width on this ground than we’re used to so there is an opportunity to run.

“Rhys Magin and John Corso are two guys we’ll have to look out for. They’re outstanding players.”

SCOREBOARD PRESSURE

“We match up really well against each other, and we saw just three weeks ago both sides can score quickly,” Clark said.

“You don’t want to be getting yourself into a shootout. We need to limit the chances they create for themselves and when they do get them, make them as difficult as possible.”