THE M-League Men’s grand finals are set to be close battles, with both matches sure to see plenty of intensity thanks to the closeness of their respective divisions. In Div 1 both Northern Titans and DDNA Teal have one win apiece against the other for the season, making for a very interesting contest where ultimately either side could come out on top. For Premier Division Geelong Cougars came out on top both times around against St Therese albeit in close scorelines.

Vic M-League 2019
Men’s Premier Division – Grand Final
11/12/19
7:00pm

Geelong Cougars v. St Therese 

Geelong Cougars will look to go back-to-back premiers with a win this week, making it a must-watch battle against St Therese. The Saints will look to back up a dominant effort when they take on Cougars in the grand final after an impressive performance against Sirens last week. Though Geelong will ultimately come into this match as favourites thanks to their winning record against the Saints this season, they will need to put on a far better performance than their own semi-final against the Melbourne City Blackhawks last week to get over the line against a hungry Saints outfit which is sure to push until the very end. Matthew Longhurst, Chris Cameron and Dylan Nexhip worked tirelessly through defence for St Therese and have been consistent all season, applying plenty of pressure not only on the ball but also forcing plenty of turnovers so will look to form a similar blockade against Geelong. Geelong’s front line is similarly star-studded with Brayden Pastore and Cameron Allum impressive to post, able to share the load, shoot from range and drag defenders away from the ball, while Jed Christian, Jake Noonan and Matthew Blomeley have plenty of experience to find circle edge and feed into the goalers, rotating through the midcourt. Through the midcourt for Saints are the likes of speedster Riley Richardson and experienced Guy Keane who are outstanding at finding holes through the centre third to push the ball down to attack. Corey Nexhip and Connor Lilly head up the goal circle with versatility, aerial ability and speed to boot, able to create an exciting and dominant attack line. Both teams have plenty of depth and young talent in the respective sides despite sticking to a regular best-seven on court, meaning while it is unlikely many swaps are made on the night there could be some high-impact changes throughout the match to add a burst through the midcourt. Geelong’s Gez Murphy and Saints’ Tristan Comans are two players who can come on when required and create a spark on court, despite being polar opposites when it comes to experience. 

Vic M-League 2019
Men’s Div 1 – Grand Final
11/12/19
7:00pm

Northern Titans Men’s v. DDNA Teal

Northern Titans will similarly look to back up a 2018 premiership this week when they take on DDNA Teal, though with both sides managing a win against the other this season it will be an interesting contest and a lot less of a predictable match. With both matches played next to each other, on courts one and two at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, the grand finals are sure to bring plenty of interest. DDNA Teal are strong finishers as proved by their one-goal victory last week to make it to the grand final so will look to put up another close performance if they are chasing.