BOTH mixed M-League grand finals are set to be big ones with two undefeated sides heading into the final match for the season as favourites in their respective divisions. Geelong Cougars come in as the underdogs but had an unprecedented week off last week so are sure to take it to Parkville Panthers while Ariels Mixed managed a close win last week but do not have a great record against Fitzroy Phoenix this season. With both matches played side by side on courts one and two, the mixed grand finals are sure to impress.

Vic M-League 2019
Mixed Premier Division – Grand Final
11/12/19
8:30pm

Parkville Panthers v. Geelong Cougars

Parkville Panthers have a real opportunity to go back-to-back this week as they enter their second grand final in as many seasons. Panthers finished at the top of the ladder and will have plenty of confidence on their side thanks to two wins over Geelong this season. Geelong come into this match after a week off and with some great coaching minds among the side this could be a massive boost, given the side had a good chance to watch their opposition in action last week and not only pick up on moves but formulate some plays to use against the Panthers. It will be a real battle of shooting lineups with both teams boasting plenty of accuracy and speed down to circle edge, with the likes of Geelong’s Brayden Pastore and Julia Woolley able to create an even share of shots thanks to the feeding skills of Vanessa Augustini, Jake Noonan and Allie Smith, all of whom can rotate through the midcourt where required. While Geelong flourish with consistency to post, Panthers have the ability to switch it up in the circle with Uneeq Palavi, Brodie Roberts, Corey Nexhip and Amy Starzer all able to impact the contest. Key defenders, Sarah Szczykulski and Luke Rawlings have created a formidable defence-line this season but with Rawlings having been out of the side in recent weeks it will be interesting to see whether he makes a return or Jake Dambrauskas takes the court. For Panthers, Dylan Nexhip had his timing down to a ‘T’ last week, playing out the match in goal keeper alongside Georgette Paatsch, with the pair combining well to create an impeccable defensive wall. Through the midcourt it will be an interesting tussle with Panthers’ Riley Richardson, Elle McDonald and Casey Adamson against Geelong’s impressive speed and feeds down the court. While Panthers won both battles this season, the Cougars came agonisingly close in their first match back in Round 2, going down by only four goals and proving that they have the ability to come out on top if they can deny precious ball down the court.

Vic M-League 2019
Mixed Div 1 – Grand Final
11/12/19
8:30pm

Fitzroy Phoenix v. Ariels Mixed

Fitzroy Phoenix are sure to come into this match with plenty of confidence, dominating all season and ultimately beating Ariels by solid margins both times they met this season, beating them by 32 goals in Round 1 and 15 in Round 10. Ariels will look to go one better again this time and at least reduce the margin once more. Phoenix had a great undefeated season in 2018 but fell at the final hurdle so will be keen to erase last season’s memories and put one final win on the board to end the season on the ultimate high.