Crows or Bloods?

by Davyd Reid
Longwarry will meet Trafalgar in what should be an enthralling Ellinbank District football grand final on Saturday.
The Crows will enter as slight favourites, having won through from the second semi-final following a home and away season where they dropped the points just twice.
Trafalgar also had a strong season, dropping just the three games before working their way through for another shot at the Crows.
The Bloods have certainly troubled the Crows this season and will give themselves every chance.
A dominant first half set up victory at Longwarry in round four, before the Crows turned the tables for a 22-point victory in the return encounter.
The Bloods will be buoyed by the fact they led the majority of the second semi-final, despite suffering a narrow seven-point defeat.
As to be expected with the top two sides on the ladder facing off, there will be match ups to watch all around the ground.
Trafalgar's resolute defence, which saw the Bloods concede the least amount of points in the competition, will face off against a potent Longwarry forward line.
The Crows scored the most points in the competition, setting up an intriguing battle.
Longwarry will need to counter Brad Hoffman, who is in good form with his intercept marking. The defence around him is reliable, with the likes of Michael Ablett, Ryan Dyke, Dylan Gauci and Jace Butler all able to play a role.
Hardy Kenny has enjoyed midfield time but can go back to defence should the Bloods require.
The Bloods will need to counter a dynamic Crows forward line.
Jedd Serong offers a mobile target, while dynamic forward Jason Wells will be better for his recent run coming back from victory.
Fintan Fox and Braydon McHugh add to the small forward mix, as does the speed of Riley Rundell.
Trafalgar also boast a potent forward line with Shane and Danny Brewster, along with Blake Slater, presenting as they key targets.
Matthew Swenson also enters the decider in ominous form following a strong showing in the preliminary final, while Brayde Bosman and William Claridge are also dangerous forward.
Longwarry will back in its reliable defence. Jack Muirhead will take one of the keys, as should Angus Adamiak who has adjusted to a role in defence well.
Jonah Serong and Brandon Allen will provide support, as will coach Darren Granger.
Lachlan Willis will take on Dylan Farrell in an epic ruck duel. Willis will have his work cut out, with the favourite for the Alf Walton medal known to both provide a target forward and drift back to support the defence.
The midfield battle will also be full of intrigue. Nic Visser has been a handy addition to an already talented Crows midfield group that includes Cooper Brown and Bailey Stephens.
Brayden Chandler, Troy Lehman, Jackson Kos, Tyler Van der Heyden and Dylan Holland make up the other runners.
Nic Caddy and Connor Noonan lead the outside run for Trafalgar, with Klay Butler, Kyle Beveridge and Darcy Brock making up an equally potent midfield for the Bloods.
Cooper Minichiello can play at either end, while Keegan Tullett and Oliver Hennesy will provide bursts off the bench.
Similarly, Harry Colvin and Josh Bourke will hope to impact for the Crows.
Trafalgar may have home ground advantage in a contest likely to go either way.
In other matches, Lang Lang will look to turn the tables on Longwarry to defend their season 2025 reserves crown.
Ellinbank and Buln Buln meet in an under 18 decider that sees both sides boast players having had valuable experience at senior level.
Bunyip and Nilma-Darnum meet in the under 16 decider.