Key players, coaches thoughts ahead of VAFA Division 3 grand final

St John’s and Canterbury have already earned promotion for next season, now they’re chasing a VAFA Division 3 premiership. Meet the key players and see what the coaches have to say.

St John's are aiming for a remarkable turnaround.

After already securing promotion to Division 2 for next season, St John’s and Canterbury are aiming for VAFA premiership success.

We break down the key players and see what the coaches of both sides have to stay.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Matthew Carnelley, St John’s: The star forward of Division 3. Carnelley comes into the grand final with 76 goals in 13 games, had he played every game he probably would have triple figures.

Corey Ely, St John’s: On the back of winning the Division 4 best-and-fairest last season, Ely has carried that form into this season.

Lachy Shearer, Canterbury: Has been in brilliant form throughout the finals. Was best afield in the preliminary final and will be looking to carry that form forward.

Mitch Szabo, Canterbury: The gun defender was the hero up forward last weekend and could be the spark at either end if needed.

Michael Topp, Canterbury: After stepping down as senior coach before the season, Topp has continued to prove why he is so important to this side.

Tim Werner, St John’s: The experienced forward joined the club at the start of the season from Keysborough and has gone onto form an important partnership with Carnelley.

Canterbury after its preliminary final win.

COACHES VERDICT

St John’s coach Tim Edwards

“From where the club was last year, in Division 4, pushed up to Division 3 and now ultimately in Division 2 for next season is a massive achievement for our footy club. Early on in the season, it was very much about the guys getting to know each other because we brought in so many new faces. They’ve become really close as a group and you can see it in the way they play their footy.

“I saw us (and Canterbury) as the best two sides in the competition, they’ve just had to get here the long way. I think they’re just an even team all over the ground. They’ve got key players but it’s an even spread. They play a good brand when they’re up and going, it’s important we don’t allow that.”

Canterbury coach Josh Ward

“We’ve embraced the challenge of turning up every week and having to win. It’s something the boys have really brought into. The biggest thing for us heading into this weekend will be needing to be resolute defensively.

“St John’s are a little different to Brunswick in the fact they’re a very good offensive team. When we played them late in the season, they kicked five goals in 15 minutes to really break the game open.”