by Davyd Reid
After 23 weeks of football across the season, it comes down to the top two teams who will battle it out for the premiership prize in Ellinbank District football at Yarragon on Saturday.
Despite Trafalgar having spent some time in the top two and Ellinbank presenting with a squad capable of challenging any side with their full team on the park, Buln Buln emerged towards the back end of the season as the clear-cut top team to challenge Neerim-Neerim South.
Having got close twice through the home and away season, the Lyrebirds played some sublime football in the second semi final which sets up an enticing re-match at Dowton Park.
The Cats will look to bounce back and finish with the ultimate reward to cap an outstanding season, that match in the second semi their only loss.
Neerim-Neerim South are well equipped across the ground. Its midfield, led by the likes of captain Kody Wilson, bats deep with talent such as Tyssen Morrow, Josh Morrison and Isaac Fuller all going through there.
The Cats will be hoping Fuller and Ben Fitzpatrick return, having missed last week's preliminary final with Ellinbank.
The danger of its forward line is evident with Chris Urie, Lachlan Bambridge and Luke Kinder topping the league goal kicking. Young gun Matt Roberts, who finished the under 18 competition with more than 100 goals, has also shown he can come into the senior team and do a job if required.
While rarely challenged throughout the home and away season given their dominance, the Cats defence have proven resolute during their two finals. This is despite the loss of Josh White, who was stretchered off with a knee injury early in the second semi.
They demonstrated this in the second half last week, where they were able to hold out a fast-charging Ellinbank. The likes of Alex Johnston, Matt Edwards, Tom Muir, Tom Gill and Dean Stringer were solid contributors, while Nick Caddy and Brock Dorling provide run and drive from half back.
Buln Buln will enter the contest with confidence given the second semi-final result.
A two-pronged ruck attack of coach Bob McCallum and Matt Gray have been adept at giving its midfield first use. Trent Baker wins plenty of the ball, and it will be interesting to see whether the sides employ a negating role or elect to go head-to-head.
Other Lyrebird key runners include Symes brothers Sean and Jack, Jackson Kos, Reece Campbell and Jake Pierrehumbert.
The likes of Jake Herbel, Brandon Allen and Lachlan Axford lead a solid defence, all lifting during the finals.
The forward line is equally potent. With Gray and McCallum able to spend time down there with the likes of Matt Stevens and Sam Langford, the Lyrebirds aren't short of tall targets. Hayden Baker is also dangerous around goal as a mobile threat.
Buln Buln's only concern out of the second semi final was a shoulder injury to key play maker Sam Batson, who has given the Lyrebirds drive from defence and centre.
However, there are positive signs that he will take his place in the side, an important selection in what is expected to be a hotly contested grand final.
Grand finals
Venue: Downton Park, Yarragon.
Seniors: Buln Buln v Neerim-Neerim South at 2.20pm.
Reserves: Ellinbank v Buln Buln at 12.30pm.
Thirds: Neerim-Neerim South v Longwarry at 9.55am.
Fourths: Longwarry v Yarragon at 8.15am.