Grand Final (2.30pm Saturday 14 September @ Macclesfield)

Minor premier Kersbrook will take on Gumeracha in the Hills Football League (HFL) Division 2 Grand Final at Macclesfield Oval on Saturday. Kersbrook will be aiming for their fifth premiership since 2008 while Gumeracha are seeking to break an ‘A’ grade premiership drought stretching all the way back to 1984. In 1984 Bob Hawke was Prime Minister of Australia, Ronald Reagan was President of the USA, Norwood came from fifth spot to defeat Port Adelaide in the SANFL Grand Final and Essendon won their first VFL flag in 19 years with a stirring comeback win over Hawthorn!

Kersbrook were untouchable in the minor round going through undefeated while Gumeracha won their last three minor round games before beating reigning premier Ironbank Cherry Gardens in the Qualifying Final and then pulled off the upset of the season with a two-point victory over the Brookers in the second semi-final a fortnight ago. The Magpies came from 36 points down at half-time in that match but they won’t want to start like that on Saturday because Kersbrook won’t let them off the hook again.

There are plenty of stars on display and it should be an excellent high scoring game considering it’s forecast to be around 25 degrees and Macclesfield Oval will be in great nick. Ben Hanna, Sam Hanna and Brendon Moon have been sensational for Gumeracha this season combining for 103 goals in 2019. Kersbrook has plenty of finals experience with players such as Paul James, Rob Nicholson, Matthew Gardner and Bradley Pearce. They’ve shared the goals around this season with seven players kicking 20 goals or more including the HFL Division 2 leading goalkicker, Charlie Graeber with 48 majors. The Brookers also have 2019 Mail Medallist Lachlan Peter who has bobbed up from the midfield with 25 goals as well.

I think Kersbrook will bounce back from their shock second semi-final loss to win their 10th HFL ‘A’ Grade premiership. My tip...Kersbrook by 21 points.

In the other Grand Finals Kersbrook will take on Bridgewater Callington in the Reserves, Gumeracha and Kangarilla clash in the Senior Colts, Kangarilla face off against the Birdwood/Gumeracha combination in the Junior Colts and in the first game of the day at 8.30am, Bridgewater-Callington comes up against Meadows in the Mini Colts.