by Rob Popplestone
This year's MGFNL competition has, without question, been the most even in memory.
The competitiveness on a week-to-week basis has demanded the very best of coaches, clubs and players alike.
The make-up of the final six was not determined until the final minutes of the home and away season, and the finals have produced results hard to foresee.
The obvious example of that has been the winning run of the Yinnar Football Club, whose success started some weeks out from the finals but has continued impressively right up until the most important week of the year - grand final week!
Grand final: Newborough v Yinnar
Time: Saturday at 2.45pm
Venue: Morwell East Recreation Reserve. Gates open at 7am.
Both clubs have prepared so brilliantly, given their respective paths to the big day have been so different.
The coaches of the two sides have given insight into their team's preparations.
Newborough coach Craig Skinner
"You couldn't get two contrasting entries to a grand final," Skinner said. "Yinnar have played four finals to get to a grand final and, with a last game bye, we have played one."
"The style of footy will be different, and body size and shape is also different. The preparation for games and training would also be poles apart, but the one thing that will be guaranteed is a fierce contest.
"We respect Tac Taylor and his team; it has been a good story.
"We have built a style and belief amongst Newborough boys born at the club; they will only accept one outcome.
"Nobody deserves more reward for effort than Jibba Ainsworth, and our story has also been a good read," Skinner concluded. "But final chapter, we will write ourselves."
Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor
"Obviously we're stoked to be playing in the grand final," Taylor said. "They've got a lot of quality players right across the board, they're coached very well, and they play for each other which is the main ingredient to be a successful team at this time of the year."
"Newborough have been in dominant form for a long time now. They deserve to be favourites and we know they're going to be hard to beat.
"One thing I will say about my boys is, we've had our backs to the wall for six weeks now and have loved every minute of it.
"The boys are playing a great brand of hard, team first finals football. We've got a lot of confidence, momentum and belief at the right time of the year, which is dangerous for any opposition, let alone a team that come this Saturday will have only played one game of football in 35 days.
"We're really looking forward to the opportunity on Saturday, and may the best team win," Taylor concluded.
Excited, but nervous. Confident as you can be, whilst respectful for your opponent.
This is what both grand final coaches are, but what do the other MGFNL coaches believe will unfold this Saturday afternoon?
COACH TIPS
Tarwin coach Troy Hemming
"My tip is Yinnar by 14 points. They have a great balance of experience and excitement."
MDU coach Peter Harris
"Newborough have been a consistent performer all year and Yinnar have hit their straps at the right time. Newborough to get up in a close one due to Mitchell kicking a bag."
Morwell East coach Devon Soutar
"Newborough by 15. The midfield battle could be neutral, but the Pearce/Mitchell combination gives the Dogs a few more tricks for mine and could be the difference."
Foster coach Sam Davies
"All the best to Craig and Daniel - we aren't surprised this is the final match up.
"Hard watching Yinnar go through after week one, the boys are still flat knowing the path we would've been on.
"I heard Shiels may have done his hammy on the weekend, that puts the ball well and truly in Newborough's court. Play Pearce deep, Mitchell high and Stanlake as a big bodied mid, and it'll be a three to four-goal victory to the Dogs."
Hill End coach Mike Santo
"Having played both teams and had the better of both, it's a tough one to judge.
"I think purely the fact the Dogs have the week off puts them in the box seat. If Calum Sheils can play, Yinnar is a chance. If he can't, I think Newborough should win. They are well coached and well structured."
Boolarra coach Tony Giardina
"Newborough, they have a fresh list. Whereas Yinnar has done it the hard way."
Stony Creek coach Jay Accardi
"Yinnar in a tight one. I think both teams are the two best drilled outfits in the competition, so it's fitting they play off. But Yinnar just, for me!"
Mirboo North coach Josh Taylor
"Tough one. I think if Yinnar isn't too battered and bruised and Cal Sheils gets up for the game, I think they can win. They have looked pretty slick the last few weeks, and I think that continuity and momentum is a huge thing in finals footy.
"My tip is a draw and Yinnar after extra time."
Thorpdale coach Ray Pickering
"Newborough by 17 points. If Yinnar can keep the two Newborough key forwards quiet, then they are right in it.
"I just fear that a huge finals series to date has taken its toll on Yinnar. Two best sides made it for me."
Fish Creek coach John Danckert
"I thought Newborough were the best side we played this year, really good mix of on-ballers and dangerous forwards.
"Yinnar are flying at the moment, so it should be a cracking game of footy. But Newborough in a close one."
FOOTBALL GRAND FINALS:
Seniors: Newborough v Yinnar at 2.45pm.
Reserves: Toora v Tarwin at 12.30pm.
Under 18s: Mirboo North v MDU at 10.30am.
NETBALL GRAND FINALS:
A grade: Mirboo North v Toora at 2.45pm.
B grade: Mirboo North v Toora at 1.20pm.
C grade: MDU v Newborough at 12.15pm.
D grade: Yinnar v Mirboo North at 11.10am.
17 and under: MDU v Fish Creek at 10.05am.
15 and under: Yinnar v Boolarra at 9am.
13 and under: Mirboo North v Hill End at8am.