Outer East: Powelltown’s Ben Wratten and Joel Perry win Wandin medal

Powelltown has received exciting news just days out from its first grand final appearance in 31 years with two of its stars earning league plaudits.

“It’s the start of a good week, that’s the plan,” Powelltown coach Jarrod Bayliss said after Demon teammates Ben Wratten and Joel Perry were crowned joint winners of the Outer East league Division 2 league medal on Monday night.

In a good omen ahead of Sunday’s grand final, it was a Powelltown domination as captain Wratten and gun forward Perry were awarded Jim Wandin medals after outstanding seasons.

It was Wratten’s third successive league medal and Bayliss said “his marking ability and his competitiveness’’ made him a genuine star of the comp.

“He’s a big man who plays like a little man,” he said.

“He’s a six foot five midfielder.

“Probably for the last six rounds he averaged 35 disposals and 12 marks a game at centre half forward, kicking goals and leading from the front.”

Joel Perry as an AFL Kangaroo.

Former North Melbourne player Perry has been a towering figure in attack for the Demons this season, kicking 71 goals.

“He’s played at the top level, he’s had a good journey,” Bayliss said.

“He hasn’t got a premiership yet so hopefully we can deliver one this weekend for him.”

Powelltown will face Kinglake at Healesville in the flag decider.

It will be Powelltown’s first senior grand final since 1991.

The Demons haven’t won a flag since 1989.

Bayliss said Powelltown would take a full strength side into the massive game, although he admitted it has been an emotional lead up.

“We’ve got three or four guys missing out which is hard,” he said.

“But that happens at every footy club when you’ve got a successful team.

“It breaks your heart and it’s never an easy job but we’re doing our best to get around those guys.

“We’ll pick the best team available at the end of the day, that’s my job, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”

Bayliss said Kinglake would be a tough opponent but was confident the Demons could break the premiership drought.

“I hope so. Kinglake are a good side, though,’’ he said.

“They’ve been playing really good footy all year.

“We were just better on the day a couple of weeks ago so hopefully we can bring that again and give ourselves the opportunity.”

Only about 200 people live in Powelltown, but red and blue colours are around town as grand final fever builds.

Powelltown footy club has had its ups and downs over the past three decades.

It went into recess in 2006 when it sat out the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League season, citing a lack of players.

The committee stayed strong and the Demons rose again.

Now they’re on the verge of something special.