2016 Farrer League grand final
East Wagga-Kooringal v Coleambally
2.45pm Saturday, Robertson Oval
EAST WAGGA-KOORINGAL
B: S Smith, T Smith, G McAlister
HB: J Robinson, T Garner , J Tiernan
C: S Brierty, Joe Scott, B Argus
HF: B Absolum , B Mearns , N Scott
F: L Cuthbert, M Geppert, B McPherson
Foll: N Hull, J Creasy, C Gordon
Inter (from): N Baggio, S Armstrong, Z Robinson, J Hodges, K Rowbotham, B Aichinger, S Burge
OUT: B Roberts (shoulder)
IN (from): K Rowbotham, B Aichinger, J Hodges, S Burge
COLEAMBALLY
B: B Jones, C Pound, T Clark
HB: M Carroll, S Mackie, T Pound
C: J Breed, C Cerato, T Groves
HF: J Painting, K O’Malley, G O’Connell
F: N Jones, B Mathews, D Pound
Foll: J Hamilton, J Fallon, D Kenna
Inter (from): S Light, S Pound, M Dunbar, W Kiley, C Saunders, H Heath
Emergency: J Smith, B Hardy, A McGown
OUT: TBC
IN: Brandon Mathews, Wes Kiley
Player Profiles:
EAST WAGGA-KOORINGAL
Backs:
8-Steve Smith: After an injury-delayed start to the year from last year's finals, returned with his trademark consistency and intensity. Named in place of Brenton Roberts in the backline but can play anywhere he's needed.
70-Tim Smith: Came to Wagga for work and joined his brother at Gumly from Belconnen. One of the signings of the Farrer League. Tough, smart , can take a grab and has proven himself on some of the best forwards in the league. Likely the man to handle Dean Pound.
90-Guy McAlister: Rugged defender who returned from a stint playing rugby. Brings tackling pressure and intensity. Loves the contest and will have the opposition looking twice.
Half-backs:
18- Jake Robinson: From EWK royalty and plays as though the club runs in his blood. The rangy backman has the skills and smarts to cause damage and will get some crucial touches to help transition the side into attack.
11-Trent Garner: A rock at centre-half-back, the Farrer League representative player had a big game in the second semi-final at Robertson Oval, cutting the Blues off in attack and turning them around. Is a big physical presence.
28-Jacob Tiernan: Perhaps the quiet achiever of the Hawks defence but is as reliable as they come. His height and mobility help him contain his man and won't let anyone down on the big day.
Wings/Centre:
44-Stu Brierty: The Sydney-based midfielder represents Australia in touch football which says everything about his professionalism, fitness and athleticism. Has the smarts and speed to do damage. Missed last year's finals due to injury prompting a return this year.
2- Joe Scott: The vice-captain is the beating heart of the side with his intensity and ability to win the ball in the middle. Did some damage early in the major semi and will be primed to play a key role again.
7-Brocke Argus: One of the characters of the club, his personality can overshadow his ability. Has a had a great season, particularly in the latter half, and is a key to the Hawks run with his ability to get into space.
Half-forwards:
22-Ben Absolum: The classy skipper has been back to his best in recent weeks after missing the pre-season and early rounds with injury. Pinpoint accurate skills, is a key to finding Geppert forward. And knows how to involved when it matters.
32-Billy Mearns: Has been a massive asset since arriving at the club via the RAAF. Brings height, a huge kick, and another headache for backlines already watching Geppert. Also goes into the ruck to allow Hull to play key forward.
36-Nathan Scott: A faithful servant of the Hawks, he also sums up their team this year - few weaknesses, a massive asset when going through the middle and can find goals forward.
Forwards:
16-Luke Cuthbert: Talented teenager who has also played for GWS Giants reserves this year. Also had some good touches in last year's grand final. Takes a good mark and can kick goals although has spent plenty of time at the other end of the ground this year.
24-Marc Geppert: Needs little introduction after another 100-goal-season. Is a headache for any full-back with the way he moves and leads. Has kicked 16 goals in last two games v Coleambally, with plenty of variety in the way he's found them.
38-Bryce McPherson: The small forward took some time to lock down a spot in the top grade this year but then seized his chance. Is another who's quick, gets the Hawks running and can find a goal. Can't be underestimated.
Ruck:
42- Nick Hull: A runaway winner of the Gerald Clear medal, has had an outstanding year. The big man's ruck work is brilliant, feeding his on-ballers, and will go forward where he's a nightmare to out-mark and can kick goals from 60m.
Ruck Rover:
5-James Creasy: Was a dramatic late withdrawal last year with injury but played reserve grade. Restricted to nine games this year but this will be fifth in a row. Quality footballer who knows where to be at the right time.
Rover:
1-Chris Gordon: Dual Riverina League medallist and premiership-winner, has shown his class at the Hawks as the season has gone on. Apart from skill and brilliance, makes a huge on-field difference in his instruction and direction to teammates.
Interchange (from): Nick Baggio, Sam Armstrong, Zac Robinson, K Rowbotham, B Aichinger, J Hodges, S Burge
Player Profiles:
COLEAMBALLY
Backs:
51-Blake Jones: Is one of a handful not in the 'big bodies' stereotype and has the tough task on the Hawks' gifted small forwards. Has come a long way this season and gets the chance to show it on the big stage. Won't leave anything behind.
33-Carl Pound: One of the most reliable backmen in the league who knows the dangers of the league's most potent goalkicker. Has had an enormous finals series and is aiming to rise to the challenge in what could be his last game.
16-Todd Clark: Has been one of the Blues most important players this year, with his ability to read the game and peel off to repel a raid. Starts with pressure but then provides run and delivery to get them moving out of defence.
Half-backs:
13-Mitch Carroll: Midfielder plagued by a quad injury but proved his value even when returning slightly underdone and making some key plays at the back two weeks ago. Went into the middle last quarter against the Jets to win crucial ball.
23-Simon Mackie: Beautiful kick of the footy, started forward a fortnight ago but soon sent to half-back where he is priceless in setting the Blues up. Is a classy player and will have a huge role in containing Mearns and Hull at CHF.
21-Tony Pound: Brought up his 300th game in the Blues' qualifying final win over TRYC and - with retirement looming - will be primed for another big occasion. A skilled, tough defender who will rely on his experience to try to nullify the running Hawks.
Wing/Centre:
7-Jake Breed: One of Coleambally's absolutely crucial quick men, along with Shaun Light, who are key to turning pressure into scoring opportunities. Young and quick, and showed a level head with big plays in their final last year against Temora.
12-Chris Cerato: The experienced midfielder has been a crucial in for Coleambally this year. Two of his biggest games have been two of their best wins - against TRYC in wet or greasy conditions. Can control the game if the pace is not too hot.
3-Tom Groves: Brings the ideal blend of intensity, speed and class, with VFL (Coburg) experience. Will work harder than anyone to create pressure, knows how to get into space and can take a great grab. Blended speccies with courageous marks a fortnight ago.
Half-forwards:
9-Jackson Painting: Sums up the Blues year by having his best season. Has benefited from the arrival of some classy players and has had a big influence on some games. One of the personalities of the club, can also find a crucial goal.
27-Kodie O'Malley: A valuable mid-season pick-up after electing to return from Leeton-Whitton. Tall and mobile, has looked their most dangerous forward many times. Can play a big role if given an inch and takes opportunities. Can also change in the ruck.
8-Graham O'Connell: Elusive and clever small forward who has come up with 19 goals in 16 games and is a regular contributor. How he moves around the taller forwards and tight EWK defence could be crucial.
Forwards:
15-Nathan Jones: A 300-gamer who has seen the Blues' good times, the tough times and is now living the good times again. Former defender has found 21 goals in 15 games this season but wants to take his opportunities in the big one.
1-Brandon Mathews: Named despite being a late withdrawal last week with muscle/nerve spasms pre-game. Won't let the side down by playing if not right. Has the smarts and ability to be a headache for defenders. Can also roll through the midfield.
4-Dean Pound: Big return last week from five months off with four goals, and no signs of hesitation late when the game was in the balance. Has the physique and skills to do a power of damage but still just third game this year.
Ruck:
10-Josh Hamilton: The coach demands intensity but can walk a fine line personally. They can't win without him though. Works hard to get back and help out in defence and can take a strong grab. Has his side playing for him.
Ruck-rover:
14-Josh Fallon: Hoping to play despite going down with a hamstring early last week. Has been one of their most important ball-winners. If he goes out, the experienced Carl Pound carries more responsibility but he showed what he can do with match-winning efforts last week.
Rover:
47-Drew Kenna: Has been a key for the Blues for a few years but enjoying a new lease of life with more experience around. Ankle surgery delayed his start but has shone towards the end of the year and is enjoying running off Hamilton's taps.
Interchange (from): S Light, S Pound, M Dunbar, W Kiley, C Saunders, H Heath
