WRFL: The Key Players In The Division 2 Grand Final
While Parkside is the heavy favorite to win the WRFL Division 2 championship, Albion is not out of the question. Here are ten key players who will have an impact on the game.
This is the crux of the matter.
It's down to Parkside and Albion in the WRFL Division 2 championship game.
On Sunday, two of the league's most storied clubs will meet at Yarraville Oval for the right to hoist the inaugural trophy of the season.
Since the Magpies have dominated in all three of this year's previous matchups, they ought to be heavy favorites.
But in the second semi-final, Albion showed that it is more than capable of challenging the minor premier.
"It's always an exciting time as a coach," Parkside head coach Chris Muratore remarked.
You sit down at the beginning of each season with the intention of making it to this game. Getting there was the easy part; now it's all about coming out on top.
It's all about the next four quarters of football, regardless of what happened before.
Both teams' starting lineups are loaded with talented players, but a few stand out as potential game-changers.
Hudson Barrett, Parkside
He returned to the Magpies lineup at the appropriate time after finishing the season in the VFL. Was voted Parkside's best afield player in the second semifinal and figures to be among the finest players overall.
Daniel Bramich, Albion
A genuine two-way player, or swingman. Don't be surprised if Albion manager Blake Richards decides to play him up top if he can't find a defender to match up with.
Shaun Campbell, Parkside
The current MVP of their league is raring to go. He played a crucial role in 2022 for his team and has game-winning potential written all over him. He was equally at home in the midfield, attack, or defense.
Jesse Cavanagh, Albion
Regularly ranks high on his team's list of best players. After a slow start to the season, Cavanagh has been outstanding.
Ben Doll, Albion
Doll has scored the most goals for Albion this year, with 36 goals in 13 games. He'll want to make an impact this weekend after being held scoreless in the second semi-final.
Lachlan Langwell, Parkside
With 31 goals for the season, Langwell has been a tremendous asset to the Magpies' offense.
Darcy McPherson, Albion
McPherson has been one of the best players in the finals series, and he could be the most important factor in his team's triumph. He used sheer force of will to help the Cats beat Newport in the semifinal. If the league has a best-and-fairest award, he'll be in the running for that, too. Regularly puts up big numbers, making him a serious threat.
Nathan Montague, Parkside
This has been a remarkable year for one of the Magpies' most potent hitters. Will spend most of his time in the center, but when he's flung forward, he'll cause chaos.
Cooper Muir, Albion
Another player who has been a threat up the middle for Albion this year's attack. Muir has liked playing against the Magpies, as he has been recognised as a game-day MVP three times.
Jonah Vraca, Parkside
He's probably going to play a big part as center back, covering one of Albion's threatening forwards. He's been at his best all season long in the last month, so he's primed and ready to go.
OUR VERDICT
While Parkside has been the best team for the majority of the season, they have recently been caught up to the rest of the league.
It will come down to who team performs better in the contested areas, since both teams will play a similar style of football.
In my opinion, Parkside will have a touch too much class, and they'll be fueled by revenge for losing the championship game last year.
With a kick away in the final, Parkside extends their lead to 15 points.