SENIOR MEN – International v Apollo

Grand final time has hit the Barry Maney Group Limestone Coast Premier League and it’s all down to the final two teams as Apollo and International meet in its first grand final since 2019, which had International wind up 3-0 winners.

The two finalists have been the two best teams all season and now it will go down to the final match to prove which side will be crowned at the top of the premier league.

International has looked a class above all season, only suffering one defeat and one draw throughout the year.

The one defeat however, did come from its round six match against Apollo, which will give the blue and white confidence that it could cause an upset.

Apollo’s defence will have to be at its best on the day as International has the best attack in the competition. Three International players feature in the top five goal scorers for the league, demonstrating its various avenues of hitting the back of the nett.

Apollo has demonstrated an excellent ability to grind out results all season, this is a trait of a very good side that will have success.

Apollo’s coach Robbie Nagy has the side heading in a good direction in his first year in the role, a grand final appearance is an excellent achievement and to win it would be even more incredible.

Antonino D’Agostino has returned to International and instantly lifted the side to the top of the mountain. D’Agostino will be hopeful his side can play at the same level it has all season and be a constant scoring threat as well as defensively sound.

If Apollo is to get the result then it cannot allow International to get on top early. Its midfield must do all it can to prevent too much pressure on its defence.

Across the pitch there will be several players that will need to play important roles.

Apollo’s Say Say Wah and Gay Nay Say Ler will be the creative forces for Apollo, expect both to have an impact on any goals that Apollo scores.

For International, Dan Allwright along with Sam and Mathew Bueiti will all be severe threats to Apollo’s defence.

So Chree Htoo was exceptional last week in defence for Apollo, but his work will be cut out for him and the rest of the side’s defence on grand final day.

While International will go into the match very heavy favourites, if Apollo can run with the opposition early and have a close result at half time, anything could happen.

Expect a classic match of football between these two rivals on the biggest day on the Barry Maney Group Limestone Coast Premier League calendar.

SENIOR WOMEN – Apollo v International

The Barry Maney Group Limestone Coast Premier League has a double up in its grand finals as Apollo will face off against International in the senior women’s competition as well.

International caused an upset in the preliminary final to climb from third place to a grand final spot.

After some mid-season struggles, International has found form and most importantly it has made an impact at the perfect time of the season.

The team in black and blue has now won five straight games leading into the grand final and it will hope to continue the good form against Apollo.

Apollo has been the best side all season and will know the premiership is its to lose, having only conceded 17 goals during the home and away season.

Apollo’s attack includes the dangerous Deni Atkin who will pose a massive goal threat to International.

Atkin has scored 20 goals this season and created numerous other ones.

For International, Evany Rex has been a constant goal threat. Rex netted 17 goals in 2023 with help from Leonie Robertson and Stephanie Gilbert who have also been goal threats for International.

International’s Tess Andrews and Apollo’s Daylia Daylia will be important players for their respective sides.

Andrews offers leadership and moves the ball well through the midfield and Apollo will hope to shut down her impact on the match.

Apollo’s Daylia Daylia has been excellent all season posing a goal threat and creating chances for her side, so International will be cautious when the ball is at her feet.

Grand final day offers twists the regular season does not and while Apollo will be favourites, both sides will know if they are not at their best they will not take home the premiership, the match will be an exciting contest between to skilled teams wih everything on the line.

RESERVES MEN – Apollo v Naracoorte

Apollo and Naracoorte once again face off for the reserves premiership as Naracoorte looks to go back-to-back after its 1-0 win over Apollo last season.

After both teams beat the minor premiers International to send them packing in straight sets, second placed Apollo face off against third placed Naracoorte to claim the 2023 title.

The two teams have faced off three times this season, with all three matches incredibly finishing 1-1.

While the sides are yet to be separated, one side will have to go home the winner this time as the 2023 premiership is on the line.

Both Apollo and Naracoorte have prolific goal scorers at their disposal. Billy Pearce has netted 19 goals this season for Apollo, posing a contest attacking threat to Apollo’s opposition.

Naracoorte’s Hossian Panahi has been a danger man for United all season and if his side is to get the result then expect him to add to his 15 goals from this season.

Naracoorte will be hungry to claim back-to-back crowns after being starved of success for so long, Apollo will look to get revenge for its grand final loss from last season and go one step further in 2023.

Under 17 – Blue Lake v International

The Under 17s pits International up against an undefeated Blue Lake in an exciting final.

Blue Lake has been the best team all season and has yet to stumble, while International will hope it can use this against them to cause an upset.

International finished the season in third, but after edging out Apollo and Gambier Centrals in its finals matches, the side locked down a finale against Blue Lake.

International will be confident it can get the job done despite Blue Lake’s incredible season, having beaten two quality sides in Apollo and Centrals in previous weeks.

It will take International’s best effort, however anything can happen on grand final day, Blue Lake will hope to continue its excellent form this season and take home the premier league crown.

Under 16

Gambier Centrals vs Apollo

Gambier Centrals finished top of the ladder in the Under 16 competition, but will need to play at its best to beat a very strong Apollo side.

Apollo finished second on the ladder with key constitutions for Rylee Kuchel who has scored 20 goals this season.

The Gambier Centrals trio of Czara Kumbhare, Andi Corfield and Jasmine Siemon have also been prolific in front of goal this season.

Both teams are well-balanced and will be confident it can get the result.

Last meeting saw the Lions win 3-1, Apollo will need to show up and play its best game of the season to get the result.

Under 14 – Gambier Centrals v Blue Lake

Gambier Centrals will play Blue Lake in the Under 14s grand final with the match set to be a closely fought contest between two skilled teams.

Last time the two sides met Gambier Centrals would win comfortably 5-0, Blue Lake responded well the following weeks with two consecutive finals wins to keep its season alive.

Now it all comes down to the final match, Centrals will be confident but must be careful going up against an in-form blue lake side.

Solomon Htoo was the sole goal scorer last week against International and has had a good season, Centrals will know he is a goal threat.

The Lions will be favourites however anything can happen on the big day and Blue Lake will push the side to its limits.

Under 13 – Gambier Centrals v International

The Under 13s will be an enthralling contest as the minor premiers Gambier Centrals play off against second placed International for the title.

Both sides have had good seasons however Centrals has been excellent.

Emmy Jeffery and Saskia Brogan have been excellent for the side scoring nearly 100 goals together.

International will have to shut down Jeffery and Brogan’s attacking power if it is to get the result.

Last time the sides met Centrals snuck past the side with a 3-2 win, International are the only team to beat Centrals this season and will be confident it can pull of an upset yet again.

Under 12 – Gambier Centrals v Blue Lake

The Under 12s have the best two sides from the season battling it out for glory.

Minor premiers Centrals will take on Blue Lake in hopes of securing the premiership.

Centrals have been the best side all season and will be favourites but the sides have battled closely all season and will be sure to put on a good contest.