SEA LAKE Nandaly’s dramatic win over Boort in last Saturday’s North Central A Grade preliminary final prevented the grand final almost everyone was expecting.
Unbeaten Wedderburn was all set to host the Magpies in the decider, but the Tigers’ one-goal win turned the tables.
So now the Redbacks, who won by just a goal against Boort in the second semi-final, face a team they have beaten by comfortably three times this season.
However, coach Susie Lockhart is expecting a tough contest.
“I told our girls after round one, when we won by eight goals, that I thought Sea Lake may be there at the end,” she said.
The Tigers had a strong lineup, Lockhart said, with Nakia Nunn’s shooting a particular strength.
Sophie Cockerell will have the job on her, while Lockhart said Gabby Munari and veteran goal defence Ash Roberts were among others Wedderburn would have to check closely.
Tigers coach Jodie Cox said finals were a different game to the home-and-away season, so previous meetings between the two clubs had less relevance.
“If everyone turns up on the day you are in with a chance,” she said.
“We match up well against them, so we’ll really have a crack and put our best feet forward.”
Wedderburn will host the grand final, which Lockhart said had to be an advantage for her team.
Redbacks fans are expected in droves, although she said Sea Lake supporters were great travellers and would undoubtedly be at Donaldson Park in large numbers.
“I’m feeling good about the game,” Lockhart said.
“You never want to be too confident, but the girls are playing well, they’re fit, and we have a lot of depth.”
Runaway league best-and-fairest Kelsey Pallpratt will be a key for Wedderburn as centre, but the Redbacks have strength on every line.
In previous meetings this season Wedderburn has beaten Sea Lake by eight goals, 18 goals and 20 goals, and will be strongly favoured to win a second successive premiership.
Wedderburn’s B Grade team is also undefeated this season and will face Calder United on Saturday.
The Redbacks’ C Grade side is also in the grand final against Calder.
Loddon Shire neighbour Boort is in two grand finals: C Reserves against Calder, and Under 14s A against Donald.
In the senior football, Birchip Watchem, after going through the home and away season, has taken the long way to the senior football grand final.
The Bulls will meet Calder United with the Lions having omens and history on their side.
Formed from the merger this season of Wycheproof Narraport and Nullawil, the Lions will be hoping to repeat the achievement of 1964 when Wycheproof and Narraport won the North Central flag in their first season as a combined club.