MPFNL Division 1: Dromana to make tough grand final selection call

Dromana has confirmed it will make a change to its grand final side to face Mt Eliza. And opposition coaches tip the winner, margin and BOG.

Dromana coach Ben Holmes: “If we can execute what we do on game day we’re confident we’ll get the job done’’. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It’s the worst part of making a grand final — selecting the side.

Footy history is littered with heartbreaking tales of players being dropped for the biggest game of the season.

Reigning MPFNL Division 1 premiers Dromana is facing a tough call ahead of Sunday’s flag decider against Mt Eliza at Frankston Park.

“We’re still debating on the make up of our team at the moment,” Dromana coach Ben Holmes said.

“There will be a change but we haven’t actually officially made it.”

Dromana players sing their song after a win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The change is likely to do with team balance, trying to match up with the Redlegs, who could be forced into making a change of their own with key position Will Antonie appearing at the tribunal on Wednesday night.

“It’s always super hard because obviously everyone deserves a game,” Holmes said.

“We’ve had multiple contributors throughout the year but you can only take 22 out on the day so unfortunately someone’s heart is going to be broken.

“That’s footy and I guess that’s what makes strong footy clubs.”

The grand final will bring together the two most skilful, running sides on the peninsula.

Given good weather on Sunday, spectators will be treated to a fantastic exhibition of football.

“Mt Eliza are probably the best kicking team in it, we’re probably the best running team in it,” Holmes said.

“So either way it’s going to be high level skills and a good exhibition of footy.’’

Dromana has a raft of players with grand final experience, including almost 10 multiple premiership players.

Sam Geurts is a four-time premiership player, having been part of the 2013, ‘18, ‘19 and ‘23 flags.

The average age of the Tigers grand final side on Sunday will be 23.

Mt Eliza coach Rikki Johnston.

Mt Eliza coach Rikki Johnston will be attempting to take his young and exciting side to premiership glory in his first season at the club.

Ironically, he will be up against his former club.

“I obviously have a huge amount of respect for the club and lots of people who I know really well are still involved with the club,’’ Johnston said of Dromana.

“But on the day it’s just another game of footy, it’s another set of jumpers that we’ve got to get over. It’s ironic that it’s Dromana but what a great challenge. They’ve been the benchmark for the last couple of years.

“If we want to take this next step well we’ve got to beat the best and they are definitely the best and should be respected for what they’ve done. We look look forward to the challenge.’’

Mt Eliza captain Braden Nelmes missed the preliminary final with a knee injury. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Johnston said the key to beating Dromana was “finals pressure’’.

“We’ve always made sure the sides we pick are fit and quick across the ground,’’ he said.

“It helps the attacking style that we want to play but it also helps the defensive stuff.

Just being able to pressure their ball carrier and try and slow their movement down is one of the big things. It’s tough to do. They’re a very good side. They’ve got good players everywhere. We’re definitely going to have our work cut out for us but I think we’re up for the challenge.’’

THE COACHES TIP...

Danny Ades (Rosebud): Dromana by 30 points, Billy Quigley BOG

Josh Beard (Langwarrin): Dromana by 36 points, Jake Aarts BOG

Jarrad Grant (Frankston Bombers): Dromana by 32, Billy Quigley BOG

Paul Goonan (Frankston YCW): Dromana by 28 points, Billy Quigley BOG

Leigh McQuillen (Mornington): Dromana by 23 points, Billy Quigley BOG

Jamie Mollo (Red Hill): Dromana by 21 points, Billy Quigley BOG

Leigh Poholke (Sorrento): Dromana by 38 points, Jake Aarts BOG

Paddy Swayn (Pines): Mt Eliza by 7 points, Billy Quigley BOG