Development Grand Final Match Preview
This Sunday’s Development Grand Final clash will see the Box Hill Hawks take on the Casey Scorpions for the third consecutive match and for the fourth time in 2016.
This will be the Development side’s ninth year in a row in which they have featured in the Grand Final, with the team unable to end the day as champions since 2011.
2nd SEMI-FINAL: Box Hill 21.12.138 defeated Casey 7.4.46
The Game:
The Development team put in a massive four-quarter effort to secure a week off and a spot in the Grand Final with a 92-point win over Casey. Starting strong with a six goal to one first term, the Hawks were able to put scoreboard pressure on the Scorpions early. Although the final term saw a more even contest with both teams kicking five majors, Casey left their run too late and Box Hill booked a spot in the Grand Final.
The Key Players:
Box Hill’s Anthony Brolic and Jake Summers were instrumental for the Hawks in the semi-final win. Brolic collected a total of 40 disposals for the game, including 11 clearances and a goal. Although Summers only managed a half of football, he kicked five goals and set the tone early for the Hawks.
“The first couple of minutes were very contested but we knew once we settled and played our brand of footy it would show on the scoreboard and it did.”
– Anthony Brolic
LOOKING AHEAD: Grand Final
The Game:
In their fourth and final clash of the season, Box Hill and Casey will meet to determine the ultimate champion of 2016. Both teams have had great years, ending the home and away season as first and second on the ladder respectively, with Sunday’s game looking to be another competitive contest.
“Last year we were in the same position where we played Williamstown in the first final but were unlucky enough to get knocked off in the Grand Final. We took a lot out of that and you can never know what will happen Grand Final day but we’ve done our preparation and we are ready for the weekend.”
– Development Coach Matt Adolph
The Deciding Factor:
Although Box Hill have defeated Casey in every clash they have had this season, Sunday will see the slate wiped clean. The AFL Victoria Development Grand Final presents itself as an opportunity for both teams to play the best football they have all season as they strive for Premiership glory.
Make sure you get to North Port Oval on Sunday at 11.30am to watch the boys battle it out against the Scorpions.
#brownandgold
Photo: Jenny Owens Photography
