Brunswick and Elsternwick to go head-to-head in VAFA Division 2 decider

Brunswick and Elsternwick are dreaming of premiership success to end their respective VAFA seasons. Both coaches break down the key areas and dangerous players in Saturday’s grand final.

Elsternwick and Brunswick will contest what shapes as a VAFA Division 2 grand filler thriller.

We’ve spoken to both coaches for the final word ahead of Saturday’s game.

ELSTERNWICK COACH PETER HIGGINBOTHAM

The process

“It’s been 38 years since the club has been in Division 1 and we’ve managed to get there first by making the grand final. After coming up a division, the first box you want to tick is consolidating your spot, second is making finals then the third would probably be making the top-two. We’ve managed to tick those three but we’ve still got one more to go.”

Battle of the power forwards

“They’ve got Hayden Parker, we’ve got Spencer Hankin. They’ve been the best two forwards in the competition all season and whoever gets on top between those two could go a long way to deciding how the game plays out. Both defences are going to have to work as a unit to limit their chances.”

Other areas to focus on

“Brunswick’s midfield is quite strong throughout. They like to play a similar style to us, with the fast and aggressive ball movement. It could be quite an exciting game of footy to watch. Angus Coverdale is a very good footballer, he’s an exciting player to watch and someone we will put some time into.”

Enjoying the moment

“We’ve got a great bunch of people involved with our footy club. Sometimes you can get caught up with too many serious moments in footy. When the players are out there having fun, the results take care of themselves and that’s when you’re playing your best footy.”

BRUNSWICK COACH TOM HUNTER

The biggest focus areas to stop

“They’re very good on the inside with their ability to win clearance and spread. They’ve got two handy forwards. Winning the ball in the middle is going to be critical for both sides to try and come away with the win.”

Lessons from the second semi

“We took a lot away from that game, it was a tricky day for footy. We went away and reviewed a lot of the areas which let us down leading into the preliminary final and carried it through against South Melbourne Districts. If we had of won straight through, we probably wouldn’t have focused on the errors so much but we’ve seen it as a real positive.

The danger men

“Spencer Hankin is an obvious with his goal threat. Paul Sanderson is a very smart player, just knows how to find the footy and position himself around the ground. Matt Harvey is very experienced in defence. He knows when to come off his man and impact.”

A quick game of footy

“We’ll always back our players in. If we do get a fast and free flowing game, it would be fun to watch but I’m not sure how fun it would be to coach.”