James Murphy
MALSEED Park is the place to be for all your soccer action this weekend, with the 2022 Limestone Coast Football Association grand finals held across two days.
The women kick off proceedings tomorrow, before the men wrap up the season on Sunday.
The final game of the weekend will be one not to miss, as Gambier Centrals and International lock horns for the senior bragging rights.
For Centrals, a chance to defend its 2021 title is up for grabs, while Inter finished the home-and-away season as minor premiers and is on a path of redemption after missing out on the big dance last year.
Both teams have immense firepower at their disposal and if their last meeting in the qualifier is anything to go by, a high-scoring battle could unfold.
The Lions boast the likes of Sam Shoemark, Cameron Saint and Jake Blackwell up front.
For Inter this year’s golden boot Matt Bueti is a focal point, while Sam Bueti and young-gun Caleb Casey have also been reliable in front of goal.
There is no doubt an emphasise will be put on defence for both teams, as they try to limit opportunities in attack.
Inter coach Vlada Gajic believed that would be the case, while he also brought attention to the importance of the midfield battle.
“I think whoever dominates the midfield and can defend in transition the best, I think that will win the game,” he told The Border Watch this week.
In the qualifying final, Inter managed to put itself a goal up early in the second half.
However, a resurgence from the Lions rewarded them with four unanswered goals to book the first grand final berth with a 6-3 victory.
Gajic stressed the importance of converting chances, which was something Inter struggled with in their last encounter.
The likes of Nick Morony, Ricky McRobert and Lachie Charlton will have an important task on their hands, as they look to limit Centrals’ scoreboard pressure in defence.
“We will do what we can to make sure they have zero,” Gajic said.
“We will prepare enough to try to make that happen.”
They are certainly up for the job, while through the middle captain Christian Cella and Matt Ferguson have been vital links into attack.
Ferguson was rested on Sunday, but Gajic expected a full roster to be available on Sunday.
There is no shortage of big game experience in Inter’s team and that will be relied on this week.
“Majority of the boys are used to playing in finals football,” Gajic said.
“I think the big time players will come to the fore.”
For Centrals co-coach Brodey Koop, the feeling around the Lions’ Den is one of excitement.
“What we set out to do at the start of the year was to win it all, so to be in this position there is a lot of excitement around the group,” he said.
With a week off to freshen up, Koop said the lineup should remain the same as their previous outing with Inter.
That game has boosted the confidence levels and he hopes to see the same brand of soccer from his team this weekend.
However, there are no illusions to be had on the toughness which will be required from both sides.
“Inter are a quality side and they are playing in this last game of the season for a reason as well,” Koop said.
“We can’t just sit back and rest on the fact we beat them last time.
“But it gave us that belief that when we play our best, our brand of football stacks up and we can be the best team going around.”
Koop expects a full-team performance will be required to go all the way and claim back-to-back crowns.
“We are of the full belief it will take the starting 11, plus everyone else who comes on for us, to play their roles to win,” he said.
“I don’t believe we are going to have to dominate one area of the pitch – I think if everyone plays their role, we know that will be good enough.”
Shoemark and Saint will be focal points up front, while Lewis March enters the decider in top form and will be one to watch down the wing.
Christian Fleetwood is an important and talented link through the midfield, while the likes of James Davey, Brayden Coppick and young-gun Jensen Childs have proven rock solid in defence.
In an added sentiment for the club, a victory would add something special to an already important year in its history.
“It is the 60th anniversary of our club this year, so to be able to go back-to-back this year would be a massive milestone,” Koop said.
“I think the club has only had two back-to-back winners in its whole existence.
“We have the opportunity to write ourselves in the history books and join that – which is definitely what we will be aiming for.”
The game is scheduled for a 2.30pm kick off, following the Reserves clash between Apollo and Naracoorte.
GRAND FINAL FIXTURE – MALSEED PARK (Sunday, September 18)
Under 12: Millicent v Gambier Centrals, 8.10am; Under 14: Blue Lake v International, 9.30am; Under 17: Blue Lake v Gambier Centrals, 11am; Reserves: Apollo v Naracoorte, 12.45pm; Senior: Gambier Centrals v International, 2.30pm.
