DIV 2 GF Preview/prediction.
1st Grade: Briars V Newport: A rematch of the major SF which was decided in Briar's favour by 5 points. Briars strength is their size and their ability to dominate the gain line with the big pack bending the gain line, making big tackles and dominating the scrum. With no 2nd grade playing as was the case in the SF, Briar's fresh reserves should mean their isn't a big fitness drop-off the for the team in the 2nd half. Briars backs are strong and play smart footy often playing territory and knowing when to test stretched defenses. Newport strength is its speed and skill from 1-15 and its ability to score from most places on the field. For Newport to win they need to play fast footy and avoid scrums, whereas briars need to play it tight, stayed disciplined and unleash their backs and against a retreating opposition. I am tipping Newport to turn it around this week and show why they were the form team during the year, the lack of colts and 2nd grade playing should also help them. Newport by 7
2nd Grade: St Pats v Epping: A last round lost to Newport knocked Pats of the minor premiership, but they responded by beating Pats in the major SF. Pat's are big and fast and have managed to beat most teams with this combination. Epping just scrapped through to finals, but were able to beat most teams throughout the season. Interestingly Epping beat Pats in their most recent encounter. Epping at times struggled against teams that have played marginal and fringe 1st grade players. Finals strict eligibility criteria will favour Epping. Despite this Pats class will rise to the top in a close encounter. Pat's by 5
Colts: Pats v UNSW: I thought this game like 2nd grade would have been Pat's v Newport, but not to be with Pats winning the major and UNSW knocking out Newport in the minors. Both teams are very well drilled, tackle hard and play structured organized footy with typical colts energy. Pats strength is their Defence only conceding 62 points during the season. Finals footy can be slow and tight with everyone well drilled and often the best defence wins. I am tipping pats by 12.
no real idea about 3s and 4s
3rd Grade. Petersham v Newport: I like teams which only have 1 grade in the final, am going to side with Petersham for that reason alone, Petersham by 9.
4th Grade: Epping v Newport: The Epping team has been together for a while, Epping by 3.