AND SO TO THE FINISH LINE

There are but seven games remaining in season 2010, all of which will played this weekend.
The Premier B Thirds GF is the first act of the weekend and Banyule go in as favourites against St Kevin’s. The semi final was a tight affair, so expect some tension before the winners get their medals.
St Bernard’s and Uni Blacks rip it up in Premier B Reserves. Both good sides, with Bernies getting here via the easier route. This one could go either way.
Old Carey and Old Haileybury have celebrated their promotion to the top tier and now must go about finishing their business for the year. While club men will be looking foward to 2011 in Premier, the players have been focused on the flag. There are a ton of stars on each team and this tilt could go either way. After the season it has had, Carey would be shattered to drop this one. The Panthers have beaten Old Haileybury three times and will look to make it four as they chase their thirteenth consecutive win.
De La Salle puts its perfect record on the line against Old Xavs in the U19 Premier GF at Sandringham on Saurday afternoon. The Red and Blacks have hit some form over the past fortnight, beating Beaumaris and Old Scotch, but does the train have sufficent steam up to knock over such a vaunted lineup. Expect a top game if the Xavs fire.
The earlybirds Sunday see Xavs and De La clash again in the Premier Thirds GF. This time it is the X Men who are favoured to win, but it’s no sure thing. As the bacon and eggs sizzle away on the barbecue, the team that sets up the early lead will be hard to toss.
In the Reserves, De La Salle is represented again and has a good chance of taking the title. However, Uni Blues have become experts at playing the right tempo on this ground. Spectators will know many of the faces out there, as is there is a swag of senior experience on both clubs.
Then it’s on to the finale, the Premier GF commencing at 2:15pm. Collegians have not lost since June and have beaten Old Xaverians three times this year. On Opening Day at the Trott they ran away at the end and subsequent meetings have been decided in the dying minutes. Only a fool would predict anything but another close tussle. If history is any guide, these teams appear to have the tools to stop each other, more shields than spears. In attack, these teams measure up fairly evenly, while Xavs defence is the tighter of the two secure units.
All in all, it’s set to be a spectacular weekend of VAFA football, culminating in the fight for the L A Adamson Cup. “Dickie” Adamson, a giant of Victorian sports administration, was a Collegian to his bootstraps, and no doubt he’ll be watching from somewhere as the men of Wesley attempt to spoil Old Xaverians’ year. Easier said than done, but of course, entirely possible.