By Mark Gullick
A RESTED Narre Warren plays Cranbourne in the reserves grand final.
Although the Magpies have defeated the Eagles in each of their three encounters, every match has been a tight, hard-fought contest.
On paper, Narre Warren shapes as a formidable combination.
Jake Gray, Nick Cowan, Cory Bevan, Michael McKenzie and Daniel Papa are excellent goalkicking options, while Chris Tosin, Tom Connell, captain Josh Lafranchi, Ryan De Wit and Jamie Tapner are influential Magpie figures.
Last year Narre Warren upset Beaconsfield to win the premiership, but this year the Magpies go into the match as favourites and the pressure will squarely be on their shoulders.
Cranbourne appears to have lost its three leading goalkickers.
Captain Damian Whitnell suffered a knee injury in the preliminary final, while the injured Michael Theodoridis, who would have been promoted to the seniors along with Jarrod Murphy will also miss.
Key Eagles are Brent McGrath, Shane Begent, Daniel Baker and Frank Martinicchio, who will need to fill the absence of the missing star trio.
Other important players are Troy Allan, Troy Datson, Justin Hamilton, Adam Wright and Andrew Driscoll.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:UNDER 18
NARRE Warren meets Berwick, the only team to soil its winning record, in the under 18s grand final.
The Magpies have displayed irresistible form during the year and with the loss in last year’s decider still burning, they go into the match as favourites.
The array of forward options is Narre Warren’s greatest strength with Stewart Scanlon, Nick Lang, Billy Anthanasopoulos, Ben Carter, Lachlan Moss and Ryan Marriott able to kick a winning score, despite spending time in the midfield.
Narre Warren will need Jordan Roberts, Nathan Prosser, Andrew Ray, Daniel Jackson and Andrew Vella to play well to ensure victory.
With the seniors dismissed from the finals, Berwick should regain Chris McKay and Jordan Temopolos, who have the ability to go into the midfield and influence the contest. Berwick will rely on goalkickers Jordan Andrews, Mitch Johnson, Jackson Parker and Jason Daniel, while Hayden McLardy, Clay Tharle, Jack Optenyde and Jake Weightman will pitch in around the ground.
