Frankston YCW and Mt Eliza set for an all-time classic Peninsula league grand final

FRANKSTON YCW is chasing a third successive premiership, but Mt Eliza is hungry.

Mt Eliza excitement machine Justin Van Unen will be a key figure in Sunday’s grand final against Frankston YCW. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

MT ELIZA coach Troy Shannon began stirring the pot almost immediately after his side’s eye-popping 89-point preliminary final win over Pines last week.

Asked if Frankston YCW should be looking over their shoulder and, perhaps, even be a bit concerned going into this Sunday’s grand final, he shot back:

“They won’t be. They are a super side. Look, I think they are up for a challenge. A few of the (YCW) players have said to me directly they want a challenge, they’re sick of winning all the time.’’

Shannon knows what it takes to win premierships, and he says his rampaging Redlegs are ready to take the mantle off the Stonecats.

Many agree.

But Frankston YCW coach Scott Mathers warned that his champion side was as focused and determined as he’s seen in recent years.

“Our boys are certainly looking forward to it,’’ he said.

“They are as driven as any other group we’ve had over the last six or seven years. That hunger is still there.’’

Frankston YCW’s Paul Michington (left) and Mt Eliza’s Jimmy Clayton battle for the ball. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It has all the hallmarks of being one of the all-time classics.

The Champ vs. the Contender.

The mighty Stonecats, with so much grand final experience, up against the hot Redlegs, desperate to taste the ultimate team glory.

Mt Eliza has been in sizzling form, but can the Redlegs do it again, in the pressure cooker of a grand final?

Mt Eliza coach Troy Shannon.

Both would be worthy premiers. But only one will hold the cup aloft on Sunday afternoon.

Frankston YCW is shooting for a premiership three-peat following its triumphs in 2014 (when it beat Mornington by six points) and in 2015 (beating Mornington by 87 points).

Mt Eliza’s last premiership was in 2005, when it defeated Frankston YCW by a record margin of 132 points.

How can you split them? Mt Eliza’s young tyros with an abundance of pace and skill pitted against an experienced Frankston YCW unit with big bodies, sublime skill and an innate sense of knowing how to win.

The game will be seesawing and intense and expect coaches Troy Shannon and Scott Mathers to play an integral part.

Mt Eliza’s Matthew Hill in action. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The majority of YCW’s players have played in premierships. They have been here and know what to expect.

Mt Eliza also has its share of grand final experience. Several of the youngsters have played in Under 19s flag deciders in recent years. And experienced forward Matt Stanley has played in flags with Rowville. Not to mention coach Shannon; he steered Edi-Asp to the 2013 flag.

So, we are all set. The best two teams, going toe to toe, for a place in history.

Good luck to both sides.

FORM LINE

Frankston YCW

WDWWW

Solid. After a hitting a slight speed wobble in July, the Stonecats returned to their big scoring ways late in the season although a draw with Edi-Asp in the last round raised eyebrows. In the second semi-final, YCW was challenged by Mt Eliza but responded when it mattered to win by five points.

Mt Eliza

WLWWW

Excellent. The Redlegs have been red-hot for a couple of months, scoring heavily. They are the only side that has beaten YCW this year. And with Justin Van Unen back in top form along with the emergence of youngsters Jordan Capkin and Robbie Turnbull, their forward line suddenly has many options.

MEDICAL ROOM

Frankston YCW: Busy. The Stonecats lost midfield star Kyle Hutchinson to an ankle injury in the second semi, while ruckman Ash Eames missed the second semi, also with an ankle. But Mathers insists both will play. Key forward David Bodley will be better for the gallop after returning in the second semi after almost two months on the sidelines with an ankle.

Mt Eliza. Pretty clear. The Redlegs are nearly at full strength, although the experienced Darren Booth tweaked a muscle before last week’s prelim. Will they risk him?

X FACTOR

Justin Van Unen. The Mt Eliza spearhead and Recruit contestant has had a big season, even managing a game in the VFL with Essendon (on this ground). “JV’’ showed he has recovered from a hamstring injury with two strong displays in the finals and is capable of turning this game on its head.

WHO THE COACHES TIP

Chris Holcombe (Mornington): FRANKSTON YCW: They still had the experience when it counted late in the semi-final to get over the line. What was more impressive was they did it after losing a midfield rotation early (Hutchinson), and covered it. Mt Eliza were ultra impressive in the prelim and it will be close…but YC for me.

Brett Dunne (Chelsea): FRANKSTON YCW: It will be a fitting farewell for Scotty.

Steve Hughes (Bonbeach): MT ELIZA. I’ll go for the upset. I think if Mt Eliza can keep Bruhn and Bodley relatively quiet they will win. They have loads of scoring avenues pop up in the last month with Capkin, Turnbull, Stanley and now the added layer of Van Unen. Combine that with injury queries on Hutchy and Eames, I think Mt Eliza are the better settled September team.

Graeme Yeats (Edi-Asp): MT ELIZA. Mt Eliza, just. They have been on the improve at the right time.

IN THE RESERVES…

MT ELIZA is chasing a premiership three-peat when it tackles BONBEACH in the grand final.

Damien Kent has done a mighty job in charge of the Redlegs’ ressies and they will go into the flag decider as warm favourites after an outstanding 18-1 season.

The Redlegs dispatched Frankston YCW by 44 points in the second semi and will be fit and raring to go.

Bonbeach has hit its straps in the finals, sweeping aside Seaford and then digging deep in the last term to beat Frankston YCW by 10 points in the preliminary final.

Both sides have plenty of talent.

For Mt Eliza, Nick McKinnon, Matt Hill, Trent Radin, Luke Whittaker and Kieran Rice will show the way while Michael Cleary relished the finals atmosphere a fortnight ago.

For Bonny, Mark Lacey, Joel Rippingale, Josh Bull, Joel Mulholland, Eammon MacCormack and James Maxwell come into the big one in good form.

IN THE UNDER 19s…

SEAFORD has shown plenty of the old Tiger fighting fury to claw its way to the flag decider – from fifth spot.

Peter McGuiness’ side is driven by a never-say-die attitude, and a lot of talent, and a flag would cap a fairytale story.

But standing in their way is the might and power of MT ELIZA, the minor premiers who have won 16 games this season.

The Redlegs looked razor sharp in winning the second semi-final a fortnight ago, with Lucas Brancatisano, Zane Hill, Aaron Jackson and Oscar Whitty excelling.

Seaford will look to in-form Bryce Lloyd, Liam Thornell, Rick Chisholm and Balyn O’Neil to get things going today.