Division 3 GF Preview

The two standout sides in Division 3 for 2018 will face off on Sunday at Trevor Barker Oval and after a season that has had twists, turns, ups and downs, there is no doubt a big crowd will be there to witness the final showdown between Glen Eira and Hawthorn AFC.

The sides have met three times this season, with an epic second semi final leaving the Gryphons battered and bruised but ultimately triumphant by a solitary point. Even with the week off, the toll that the match had with key players suffering injuries will not be truly known until 5pm on Sunday.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Round 3 – Glen Eira 20.13.135 def Hawthorn 11.14.80

Round 14 – Glen Eira 17.8.110 def Hawthorn 15.13.103

2^nd semi final – Glen Eira 10.9.69 def Hawthorn 9.14.68

FIVE KEY TALKING POINTS

1. Justin Raiti. Coming off a remarkable 34 vote season in the section B&F, Raiti is a known big game player and will be a key factor in whether or not the Hawks can salute at the end of the day. A player who leads by example, the Gryphons will certainly be putting in a lot of homework on how to stop the Hawthorn skipper.
2. Injuries. The injuries to the Gryphons may have just reached tipping point, including previous section B&F winner Jules Waras Carstensen breaking his arm and not being available from all reports for the grand final. The depth with the Gryphons has been outstanding, but is this the straw that breaks the camels back?
3. What game style will Kade Parteger and the Hawks employ to curtail the Gryphons front half? With their first two meetings being high scoring affairs, the nature of finals football is conducive to high pressure, lower scoring and contested football. Mix this with a quick deck at Trevor Barker Oval, the battle in the coaches’ box will be imperative.
4. Glen Eira’s spread of talent. To have 19 players poll votes in the Division 3 B&F showcases the Gryphons even-ness across the park. Lachlan Pound led the way with 17 votes, but had a vast selection of helpers which has meant the Gryphons have only fallen short once to date in 2018.
5. Expectation. How often does a side go through the season looking like the most dominant side and stumble at the final hurdle? There are plenty of examples at the highest level (Geelong 2008, St.Kilda 2009, Collingwood 2011, Sydney 2014), which Kade Parteger can draw inspiration. What has happened previous now falls into insignificance if the Hawks get up today.

WHY GLEN EIRA WILL WIN

The Gryphons are a considerably professional outfit with outstanding depth, have been the best team all year and will show their talent on Sunday on a ground that will suit their game style. Stopping all their avenues to goal has been an issue for all the Division 3 clubs in 2018 and Glen Eira have ticked every box on their way to this grand final and will complete their season in a manner which is deserved of a premiership.

WHY HAWTHORN WILL WIN

After securing promotion with a win the preliminary final, you could say the Hawks have nothing to lose. After being comprehensively beaten in their first encounter, their last two showdowns have been epics. You get the feeling the Hawks are creeping closer and closer and now have unlocked the way to play to beat the Gryphons if they can get the game on their terms. Class players like Justin Raiti, Nathan Raiti and Aaron Downie can all deliver on the biggest stage and are looking like a healthier side with top end talent. Have the Hawks gained enough momentum at the right time?