A GRAND Final rematch is set to go down at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday, as reigning premiers Sandringham Dragons play host to Greater Western Victoria (GWV). Last time they met, the Dragons took home a 37-point victory and their third consecutive Coates Talent League premiership. We preview the big clash, which kicks off Round 14’s five fixtures.

WHEN: Saturday July 5, 11:00am
WHERE: Trevor Barker Beach Oval
WATCH: Live stream via Coates Talent League app

IN A SENTENCE:

Saturday’s Grand Final rematch sees Sandringham, who snapped a two-game losing streak last week, take on GWV Rebels, who have won three of their last four games, in their first home-and-away meeting since 2022.

WHERE THEY SIT:

Sandringham Dragons – 5-5 | 97.1% | WLLWL
GWV Rebels – 4-5 | 106.7% | LWWLW

TEAMS:

Sandringham Dragons

B: 28. A. Eales – 8. S. Buck – 12. K. Nadji
HB: 30. D. Heelis – 37. C. Rozenes – 50. J. Arnold
C: 49. J. Hayter – 60. S. Levine – 33. G. Dimer
HF: 29. P. Janover – 13. A. Lambert – 72. J. Cripps
F: 15. O. Griffin – 32. M. Tyrer – 70 K. Watt
FOL: 4. J. Galbally – 31. B. Challis – 6. A. Butler

INT: 10. G. Teixeira, 42. O. Panozzo, 48. A. Edwards, 56. J. Noorbergen, 75. W. Reidy

GWV Rebels

B: 8. T. Dak Liem – 25. B. Phillips – 50. X. Gleeson
HB: 21. T. Bowman – 11. R. Holloway – 12. S. Niklaus
C: 14. S. Marris – 4. J. Grayland – 13. S. Burmeister
HF: 17. C. Kenna – 5. F. Burmeister – 7. H. Hicks
F: 15. J. McGuane – 22. C. McKinnon – 45. C. Finck
FOL: 23. F. Penry – 26. W. Shea – 16. F. Molan

INT: 18. C. Glenwright-McGuane, 30. D. Ewing, 41. D. O’Keefe, 42. O. Pittard, 51. J. Connolly

ONES TO WATCH:

Sandringham will field just one premiership player in tall utility Sam Buck, who looks set to line up in defence alongside fellow over-ager Charlie Rozenes. Meanwhile, the side’s lone available Vic Metro squad member is bottom-ager Arki Butler, who has been named to start in midfield.

Butler will likely combine with Sacha Levine in the engine room, who has earned high praise internally. The Dragons’ tall trio of Miles Tyrer, Kayne Watt, and Julian Galbally should be difficult to stop both inside forward 50 and the ruck. Tyrer is a train-on in the Vic Metro squad.

The Rebels will lay claim to five grand finalists on Saturday, including speedy Vic Country hopeful Harley Hicks. Imposing ruck Flynn Penry will have his hands full with Sandringham’s key position stocks, while fellow over-ager Floyd Burmeister is sure to make an impression up forward.

Another of the grand finalists, Fraser Molan has also been in terrific form through midfield. While Burmeister forms a dangerous duo with competition leading goalkicker Charlie McKinnon, perhaps the Rebels’ best line is across half-back, with Sam Niklaus, Riley Holloway, and Taj Bowman.

PREDICTION:

It’s always interesting to see how Sandringham stacks up during representative season, and while the APS break helps, Greater Western Victoria enters this clash with a good deal of stability. Travel works against the Rebels, as does their record in close games this season. They’ve lost three of four games decided by a goal or less, compared to the Dragons’ three wins in four. Sandringham by 6.

ROUND 14 FIXTURE

Saturday July 5:

Sandringham Dragons vs. GWV Rebels
11:00am @ Trevor Barker Beach Oval

Murray Bushrangers vs. Calder Cannons
12:00pm @ Wangaratta Showgrounds

Northern Knights vs. Geelong Falcons
1:10pm @ Preston City Oval

Sunday July 6:

Eastern Ranges vs. Oakleigh Chargers
10:30am @ La Trobe University

Bendigo Pioneers vs. Western Jets
11:40am @ Mildura Sporting Precinct