ONE thousand and eighty-eight. This is the number of days Irymple have been waiting to defend their title from way back in 2019.
After two seasons with no result, Irymple now finally have the opportunity to go back to back, even if they are three years apart.
Wentworth should go into today’s game as the favourites, having swept the Swallows aside in the second semi-final to allow themselves the opportunity to rest and recharge and watch Irymple and Ouyen beat themselves up in the preliminary final last weekend to book their place on the big stage alongside them.
This game will have been playing on the minds of each player and coach 24/7 over the past seven days and it’s most likely in their heads that this game will be won or lost.
Both sides match up very evenly across the ground, both sides play a very similar brand of football and are both well coached and very disciplined.
Every grand final has an expected script as to how it will be played out. However, most grand finals rarely follow that script.
My expectations of today’s game are that it will be an incredibly close game all day.
I don’t see this as being a one-sided contest or a blowout, I am expecting a couple of goals at most to decide the final result.
I believe some key match-ups will be the deciding factor in what should be an incredible game.
Wade Hancock v Tom Brownbridge
Both players have had a win against each other this season, it was the last encounter that Hancock came out on top.
If Hancock can get good delivery from up the field and be a leading target, he will be hard to beat.
Brownbridge will be hoping for slow delivery to Hancock and force a one on one contest where he is more comfortable.
Nick Jensen v Jack Chiswell
Having Jensen back in the Roos line-up is crucial for their structure. It allows the likes of Duck and Ferguson to play more of a forward role.
I expect Jensen to win the ruck contests but it is around the ground that Chiswell can potentially do some damage.
I expect him to run with Jensen around the ground which plays right into Wentworth’s hands. Chiswell is tough and athletic, he needs to back himself and be a target around the ground and not a tagger.
Jack Cottrell v Nick Mee
Two explosive players who can change games, I expect both to go head to head in the middle of the ground today.
Both are great clearance players in the contest and both can float forward and kick goals.
Mee in particular is very hard to tag and Wentworth also won’t want to nullify Cottrell and curb his influence on the game.
This contest alone could help decide the game.Cambell Davison v Connor Mensch
Both players are lightning quick, Davison provides great run and carry from half back and sets up the play further up the ground for the Roos forwards similar to Cleve Westley. Connor Mensch is an attacking half forward and creative around goals.
If either player is left unchecked, they can do some serious damage.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out, both will want to attack off the line however will need to know where the other is at all times.Jackson Ferguson v Ash Kempton/Nathan Hamence
I expect Ferguson to start in the middle today for the Roos which means a big bodied and experienced midfielder will have to go to him.
Whoever does go to Ferguson will be in for a big day, he is a strong body in the middle and will rest forward where he is strong in the air so Irymple will need to send a genuine defender to him, maybe even Justin Robinson.
I believe the most likely match up is Ash Kempton to tag him in the centre clearances.
