North Melboure, Western Bulldogs set for exciting grand final
The North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs VFLW coaches have declared Sunday’s decider will be fast and free flowing. Here’s a look at some of the key match ups and how each side stacks up.
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Some coaches might want a tight contest in a grand final — the North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs VFLW mentors aren’t those.
Roos mentor Brett Gourley and his opposite number Rhys Cahir have implored their sides to play exciting footy all season and it’s the message they’ll be delivering ahead of Sunday’s grand final at Port Melbourne.
The two sides have met twice this season and have one win apiece shaping up for a thrilling afternoon of footy.
“I think both teams are naturally attacking teams,” first year North Melbourne coach Gourley said.
“I think both games that we’ve played in season have been really free flowing and I think that’s the style of footy everyone likes to see.
“We’ve tried to build a really progressive style and attacking brand of footy. I’m sure that’s exactly what we will see on the weekend.”
While both coaches didn’t give too much away at the pre-match media conference, they were quick to compliment the quality of the opposition.
One match up which could potentially loom as match defining is North star forward Nyakoat Dojiok against Dogs defender Caitlin Pickett.
Cahir said his athletic key loom as one of the best matchups for the VFLW’s leading goalkicker.
The second year Bulldogs mentor has worked with Dojiok closely during his time with the GWV Rebels in the Coates Talent League.
“Obviously she is going to be a big one,” Cahir said.
“As much as I’d like to see her be successful getting drafted, I don’t want her to be too successful this week. Caitlin Pickett is an outstanding match-up.
“They’re both freaky speedy talents.
“Both back lines have got big tasks but obviously it will be won in the midfield and the pressure of the footy coming in helps our backline.”
While the Dojiok and Pickett match-up was highlighted by Cahir, both coaches agreed the midfield battle would be pivotal.
North co-captain Sarah King is expected to carry majority of the ruck load against Keeley Hardingham who has enjoyed a strong first season with the Dogs.
Ex-AFLW duo Alana Barba and Madeleine Di Cosmo shape as important players in the middle for the Roos.
Gourley spoke highly of the Dogs’ midfield which will be led by skipper Dom Carbone.
“They’ve got really classy players all over the field,” he said.
“Their midfield is elite, they’ve got some great defenders and obviously some really capable forwards and experienced forwards as well.”
On his own side, Gourley said the season had been built on a strong off-season.
“We just had a really strong focus on creating the best possible program,” he said.
“We’re really fortunate to be in this position and we’ve worked really hard to be here.”
The Dogs will enter the game on the back of a strong win over minor premier Williamstown in the preliminary final, holding the Seagulls to just two goals for the game.
Cahir said it was some of the “best football” his side had played all year.
“We had a plan to play our best football as well as take away theirs and we couldn’t have executed any better if we tried,” he said.
Sunday’s game will start at 12.10pm.
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