Everything you need to know about local and country footy grand finals

It’s grand final day right across the state for a number of local footy competitions. Here’s all the games to look out for and the players who could make a difference.

Brayden May

@braydenjmay

3 min read

September 9, 2023 - 6:00AM

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Heroes will be made and history written as local footy competitions across Victoria host their respective grand finals on Saturday.

There are a number of storylines to follow throughout the day with special individuals on display across the state.

Here’s a look at every game and the key players in each.

EASTERN

Division 1: South Belgrave v Mitcham at Tormore Reserve, Saturday 2.20pm

South Belgrave — Tim Smith: Has again been a dominant force for the flag favourite and will be right in content for the best on ground medal.

Mitcham — Nicholas Caulfield: Played a brilliant role in the preliminary final win and will have to do it again.

South Belgrave will be favourites. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Division 2: Boronia v Heathmont at Walker Park, Sunday 2.20pm

Mitcham — Ben Robertson: A figurehead up forward for his side in 2023 with a team-high 46 goals.

Heathmont — Campbell Evans: The big man was impressive in last week’s preliminary final and shapes as a key figure for the Jets.

ESSENDON DISTRICT

Division 2: Oak Park v Sunbury Kangaroos at Coburg City Oval, Saturday 2.15pm

Oak Park — Blair Cronin: Held goalless when he faced this opponent last time but returned to the Oak Park line-up in the second semi and booted four.

Sunbury Kangaroos — Mitchell Kook: More than capable of breaking this game open from the back half if he’s given the opportunity.

Mernda’s Bryce Kimuliatis and Zachary Racovolis. Picture: Andy Brownbill

NORTHERN

Division 3: Laurimar v Mernda at Whittlesea Showgrounds, Saturday 2.10pm

Laurimar — Kaiden Arthur: The Power livewire is capable of anything. Winning centre clearances, bursting forward and kicking key goals.

Mernda — Michael Evans: The Mernda veteran kick-started the Demons fourth-quarter comeback in the qualifying final and backed it up with a best-on-ground performance in the preliminary final.

MORNINGTON

Division 2: Somerville v Mornington at SkyBus Stadium, Saturday 2.30pm

Somerville — Tom Murphy: Hard, clean, versatile and a big occasion player. Primed for this one.

Mornington — Matthew Caine: The vice-captain. Outstanding last week and doesn’t stop.

There was plenty of tensions last time Endeavour Hills and Frankston Dolphins faced off. Picture: Valeriu Campan

SOUTHERN

Division 3: Frankston Dolphins v Endeavour Hills at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve, Sunday 2.15pm

Frankston Dolphins — Andy Mathers: Brilliant again this season despite the step up in class.

Endeavour Hills — Ryan Johnson: A consistent goalkicker all season long, has troubled the Dolphins before.

Division 4: South Mornington v Hampton at Heatherton Recreation Reserve, Saturday 2.15pm

South Mornington — Anthony Giuliano: Has 88 majors for the season and has previously kicked a bag against Hampton.

Hampton — Henry Grenville: Been a model of consistency throughout the season and has produced some of his best footy in the last fortnight.

WESTERN REGION

Division 2: Parkside v Albion at Yarraville Oval, Sunday 2.25pm

Parkside — Shaun Campbell: He was important in his side’s grand final performance in 2022 and has match winning ability written all over him.

Albion — Darcy McPherson: In the top handful players in Division 2, McPherson has been brilliant this finals series and shapes as arguably the biggest key to his side’s success.