by Rob Popplestone
Fish Creek will play Yinnar in the Mid Gippsland Football Netball League senior grand final at Meeniyan on Saturday afternoon.
The Kangaroos' reputation as a quality club has been further enhanced over the past 12 months.
Just weeks after their 2023 premiership success, the club was faced with perhaps their biggest challenge since being founded more than 150 years ago.
A devastating fire destroying their venue and many memories; a moment in time that may have almost destroyed the reigning premiers. But no, they appear to have built back even stronger as they prepare for a fairytale finish against a talented Yinnar side.
Both sides have had their share of highs and lows during the 2024 season. They also share results against each other, with one win apiece when having previously met this season.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Round three: Yinnar 11.7-73 defeated Fish Creek 7.10-52
"Happy to come away with the win," Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said at the time. "We played our brand of footy in the second half which was pleasing to watch."
"Very impressed with the even contribution right across the board," McCulloch added. "Was a great response from our group and I felt we learnt from our mistakes the previous week."
"A tight tussle for most of the day," Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker said at the time. "We couldn't get the game on our terms for most of it, with credit to the Yinnar pressure and spread."
"A few key moments we didn't win, allowing Yinnar to kick away a little bit," Walker added. "A late surge saw our intensity get to where it should have been all day. In the end, we left it too late."
Semi final: Fish Creek 8.5-53 defeated Yinnar 4.7-31
"A great team game," Walker said. "Had even contributors across the ground, with a couple of stand-out performers."
"Our defensive game and pressure was at a level it needed to be for finals and we were able to sustain that for the whole game," he added. "Yinnar were able to get momentum going their way throughout the game, but it was good that we were able to slow the game down and close it out."
"Fish Creek certainly handled the conditions better than us and had a lot of the play in their front half." McCulloch said. "Three early goals in the second quarter to Fish Creek was what broke the game open, and we were never able to peg the margin back."
THIS WEEK:
As interesting as past results may be, they will have no affect on this week's grand final, outside of what coaches may have learnt.
This includes learnings about their opposition and their own players' abilities to perform against those expected to be playmakers from either side.
Walker said his side had a good week off and a solid session to get "a fair few kilometres in the legs".
"As a team, we watched the preliminary to see Yinnar run over the top of Foster with a lot of momentum," Walker said. "Momentum means a lot in finals, so we will need to be ready to fire from the first bounce to match Yinnar's belief. Top two teams in the grand final will be a great game."
McCulloch said he was excited about the opportunity to play against Fish Creek.
"Will go in with confidence and with the attitude we have nothing to lose," he added.
With Yinnar having three teams all playing for premierships, there is certainly plenty to gain.
COACH TIPS:
Walker's thoughts have been echoed by many coaches in the league.
Damian Turner (Mirboo North): "What a great finals series. Both these teams are longtime proven finals teams, with plenty of grand final experience. Poised to be a cracking contest, really hard to tip. If Yinnar can win the midfield battle, they win by 12 points."
Ray Pickering (Thorpdale): "Wouldn't we all like some of that Fish Creek water. An interesting match-up for mine; a powerful, big, strong Fish Creek outfit versus a slick, fast-running, outside team in Yinnar. When it come to finals, Fish Creek just seem to grow an extra leg. Their experience come to the fore and I think it will happen again this week. If Yinnar can get the ball into space and get their running game going, that is the only way I can see them worrying Fish, but I just don't think Fish Creek will allow it. Fish Creek by five goals."
Jack Weston (Toora): "First versus second on the ladder in the grand final seems fitting. Fish Creek to win for me. Their discipline to lower their eyes and move the ball skilfully by foot will take away Yinnar's ability to turn the ball over through intercept marks. I also don't see their youthfulness running over the top of a well rested and healthy Fish Creek side with a stack of experience."
Ambu Uliando (Hill End): "Fish Creek win by three goals. Fishy have the experience and size that I believe gives them the edge. Will be an exciting game."
Chris Verboon (Stony Creek): "I think Yinnar will win by 13 points. The loss to Stony Creek in the last round has got them fired up to go all the way. Yinnar would be buoyant about their chances too after their preliminary final win, but also respectful of the quality of opposition and the enormity of the task."

GRAND FINAL SCHEDULE:
Seniors: Fish Creek v Yinnar at 2.45pm.
Reserves: Newborough v Yinnar at 12.30pm.
Thirds: MDU v Yinnar at 10.30am.