WRFL: The key players in the Division 2 grand final

Parkside against Albion in the WRFL Division 2 decider.

Two of the competition’s oldest and proudest clubs will clash on Sunday at Yarraville Oval, aiming to lift the first piece of silverware on offer this season.

The Magpies will be heavy favourites having won all three previous three meetings between the two sides this year.

But Albion proved in the second semi-final, it’s more than capable of testing the minor premier.

“It’s always an exciting time as a coach,” Parkside mentor Chris Muratore said.

“You always sit down at the start of the season and aim to play in this game. Getting there is one thing and now it’s about winning.

“Previous results mean nothing, it all comes down to the next four quarters of footy.”

Each side has plenty of talent across their selected 22 and these are the players who are set to make a major difference.

Hudson Barrett, Parkside

Played some VFL footy late in the season before returning to the Magpies line-up at the perfect time. Was named best afield for Parkside in the second semi and should be right in contention for the best on ground medal.

Daniel Bramich, Albion

A real swingman who can play at both ends. If there isn’t a match up for him in defence, don’t be surprised if Albion coach Blake Richards was to throw him forward.

Shaun Campbell, Parkside

The reigning league best-and-fairest is primed for the big stage. He was important in his side’s grand final performance in 2022 and has match winning ability written all over him. He could easily play across all three areas of the ground.

Jesse Cavanagh, Albion

Consistently among the better players for his side this season. Cavanagh has been brilliant in the back half of the season.

Ben Doll, Albion

Doll has been Albion’s leading goalkicker this season with 36 majors from 13 outings. After being held goalless in the second semi-final, he’ll be keen to make a difference this weekend.

Lachlan Langwell, Parkside

Langwell has been a huge inclusion for the Magpies this season as the side’s leading goalkicker with 31 majors.

Darcy McPherson, Albion

In the top handful players in Division 2, McPherson has been brilliant this finals series and shapes as arguably the biggest key to his side’s success. He willed the Cats over the line against Newport in the prelim. He’ll be right in the mix for the league best-and-fairest as well. Consistently hits the scoreboard which makes him a massive danger.

Nathan Montague, Parkside

It’s been a special season for one of the Magpies’ most damaging players. Will spend time in the middle but will wreak havoc as well when he’s thrown forward.

Cooper Muir, Albion

Another player who has been a dangerous option forward of centre for Albion this season. Muir has enjoyed the match up against the Magpies having been named in the best in every game.

Jonah Vraca, Parkside

Likely to play a key role down back on one of Albion’s dangerous forwards. His form over the last month has been his best of the season which means he’s cherry ripe for this one.

OUR VERDICT

Parkside has clearly been the best team all season but they have been brought back to the pack in the last month or so.

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These sides will play a similar brand of footy and it’s going to be a matter of who can get on top in contested areas.

For me, Parkside will have a little bit too much class and they’ll have the extra motivation of last year’s grand final defeat.

Parkside by 15 points after kicking away in the last.

Originally published as WRFL: The key players in the Division 2 grand final