WRFL: Point Cook Centrals and Parkside face off in decider
Previous results will count for nothing when Parkside plays Point Cook Centrals in the WRFL Division 2 decider. Here’s why the Magpies can stun the Sharks.
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It all comes down to this.
Point Cook Centrals against Parkside in the Western Region Football League Division 2 grand final.
The Sharks have been the competition’s white whale in 2022, winning 19 straight games and looking to complete the perfect season.
Parkside are the underdogs but it’s a title they’re thriving on with a “free hit” at Point Cook Centrals.
The minor premier has won all three meetings between the pair this season, the closest a four-point nailbiter in round 14 at Parkside.
Let’s hope for a cracker.
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WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Point Cook Centrals, Dean Chambers
“It’s a really exciting time for the club, our women’s team will be playing in a grand final on Saturday morning as well. I think if we’re able to have more inside 50s than Parkside it will go a long way to helping us win the game. We’re confident in our forward line to put a score on the board as well as the defensive structure we put behind the ball to lock the footy in there. Parkside are going to be up for the fight, it should be a cracking contest.”
Parkside, Chris Muratore
“Settling early will be crucial for us, we’re going in there with a free hit at the best team all year. Both teams have built towards this moment all year and we’re excited about the opportunity. Our reserves will play in a grand final as well which means it’s a massive day for our club. They’ve beaten us three times but we’ve shown we can push them all the day. We’re looking forward to what lays ahead.”
KEY MATCH-UPS
Kwat Ater v Bradley Graham and John Atar
First use of the footy on a ground the size of Yarraville will be crucial to either side’s hopes. Ater for Centrals has a brilliant leap and his athleticism sees him become a fifth midfielder. But don’t doubt the influence of Atar and Graham who dominated centre bounces in the last quarter of the preliminary final against North Footscray and set the Magpies on their way.
Mitch Palma v Tom Markey
A midfield battle which could go a long way to deciding this game. Markey often goes to the Sharks’ star and could be crucial in his side’s premiership hopes. Palma wasn’t named among the best in the semi-final win but if he gets off the chain he will be right in best on ground medal contention.
Matt Turner v Shaun Campbell
It wouldn’t be a Parkside game without Campbell getting some sort of attention from the opposition. That’s where Turner comes in.
Chambers shifted him into the middle in the previous game between the two sides for a bigger body and it worked wonders.
Campbell can turn a game in a matter of minutes so he needs to be shut down for four quarters if you’re the Sharks.
Kurt Mayne v Jackson Lesko
Parkside will be desperate to see Lesko hit the scoreboard and if he can have a similar day to that of the preliminary final than anything could happen. With the Sharks having dominated opponents throughout the season, Mayne has been one of the unsung heroes consistently getting the big jobs done.
THE X-FACTORS
Point Cook Centrals, Daniel Strnak
The small forward has been excellent in his first season with the Sharks after crossing from Hoppers Crossing. With 50 goals, it’s clear he’s an important player. But it’s his energy with the ball in hand and his goal celebrations which lift this Point Cook Centrals side. With some rain expected, his ability at ground level could be pivotal.
Parkside, Sam Dukic
Might not get the outside attention like some of his Magpies teammates’ but Dukic is a classy footballer. His look, sporting a thick black headband, screams cult hero and if he can play a big role here there’s no reason to suggest he won’t be.
TEAM NEWS
Point Cook Centrals
Picking a grand final team definitely would have been difficult especially when the Sharks won comfortably to qualify for the decider. But Kurt Corrigan and Matt Wright are two players who have featured consistently in the senior side and could come in. Corrigan was in the best for the Sharks’ elimination final loss while Wright was rested having not played in over a month.
Parkside
The Magpies have a full list to choose from with the reserves also through to the decider. They got through the preliminary final unscathed and it would be a shock to see any changes made.
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