Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 8, 2024 8:05 am GMT
Enthusiasm is reaching fever pitch as Anglesea prepares to face off against Torquay in the Bellarine Football League (BFL) Grand Final. This highly anticipated match will take place on Saturday, September 7, at Leopold’s Memorial Park, marking a significant moment in regional football history. With Anglesea chasing its first premiership since 1999 and Torquay aiming for back-to-back titles for the first time since 1987, both teams are set to deliver an intense showdown.
Rivalry on the Field
The longstanding rivalry between Anglesea and Torquay adds an extra layer of excitement to this Grand Final. The Roos, under the leadership of captain James Carr, recently claimed victory in the Second Qualifying Final against the Tigers, signaling they are in formidable form. Despite losing both home-and-away games against Torquay this season, Carr remains optimistic. “We’ve got a full squad to choose from for the first time in a long time. The buzz is definitely building, and just walking through town on the weekend, you can see the shopfronts decked out in merch. It’s a huge deal for a small town like Anglesea, and everyone is superbly pumped,” he shared.
Path to the Grand Final
This year’s Grand Final marks a turning point for both teams. Torquay, co-captained by James Darke and Ben McNamara, has approached the season differently. After playing in a Preliminary Final for the first time since 2017, they secured their spot in the Grand Final with a powerful team that includes standout players like Matthew Boag and Luke Mahony. “Dom’s really good at making Grand Final lead-ins special and memorable. He always emphasizes how proud he is of us,” Darke commented, referencing their coach Dom Gleeson, who has already signed a contract extension until 2025. “We’ll just enjoy the moment when we’re out there and hope to play some good footy.”
Historical Context
The historical implications of this match cannot be overstated. The last time these two rivals faced each other in a BFL Grand Final was in 1983, where Anglesea emerged victorious with a score of 14.14 (98) to 13.6 (84). That match, held at Portarlington Recreation Reserve, featured Brian O’Keefe who was named best on ground. This history adds weight to the pressure both teams feel as they prepare for their next encounter.
Recent Form
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Round 5: Anglesea vs. Torquay | Anglesea 9.15 (69) def by Torquay 13.10 (88) |
| Round 14: Torquay vs. Anglesea | Torquay 16.11 (107) def Anglesea 12.17 (89) |
| Second Qualifying Final | Torquay 13.13 (91) def by Anglesea 15.8 (98) |
Expert Predictions
The anticipation for the Grand Final has sparked discussions among BFL senior coaches regarding potential outcomes. Coaches not involved in the match provided their predictions, split evenly between favoring Anglesea and Torquay. The insights offer a glimpse into the competitive edge both teams bring:
- Warren Finlayson (Portarlington): Winner: Anglesea, Margin: 17 points, Best on Ground: Dylan Pettingill
- David Farrell (Ocean Grove): Winner: Torquay, Margin: 20 points, Best on Ground: Luke Mahony
- Tony Mirabella (Newcomb): Winner: Anglesea, Margin: 8 points, Best on Ground: Dylan Pettingill
- Heath Jamieson (Queenscliff): Winner: Anglesea, Margin: 1 point, Best on Ground: Jordan Keras
- Mark Hovey (Modewarre): Winner: Anglesea, Margin: 17 points, Best on Ground: Jordan Keras
This balanced perspective highlights the tight competition and the subjective nature of predicting outcomes in sports.
The Day of the Match
The BFL Grand Final is set to begin at 2 PM on Saturday. Fans from both Anglesea and Torquay are expected to turn out in large numbers, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere at Leopold’s Memorial Park. Local businesses and communities are getting involved, demonstrating town pride by decorating storefronts in team colors and merchandise.
As the Grand Final gets closer, everyone is buzzing with excitement—players, coaches, and fans are all feeling it! This event isn’t just about winning a title; it’s a big celebration of local talent and community pride. It’s a special day that everyone in Anglesea and Torquay looks forward to.
