Box Hill and Footscray will square off in the VFL decider this week, both clubs aiming for back-to-back flags but in vastly different ways.
Box Hill is the reigning champion aiming to add to the premiership it won last year, while for Footscray it’s a chance to win the title in its first year back in the competition since 1924, when they took out the then VFA flag.
Box Hill coach Marco Bello said the experience of the 2013 win would be drawn upon throughout the week, but stressed the importance of this year’s side creating its own history.
“There’s probably half the guys this week that have played in it before and half that haven’t.
“I guess for the guys that have played in it they’ve got the driver that they understand it and know what a special feeling it is, and the other half haven’t been a part of it and want to experience that.
“I think having those two groups coming together is probably favourable, and will go a long way this week.”
Footscray coach Chris Maple said his side came into the season with a clean slate, and for his side to make it to the big dance in its first season was a great achievement.
“The good thing for us is we probably came into this season with no expectations,” Maple said.
“The main purpose of our side was to ensure we were getting the best development for our players, and we think we’ve achieved that. We think it’s a great development experience for our players to be playing in a finals series and under pressure with big crowds and trying to develop a will to win.”
The western suburbs have embraced the Footscray team in its first season back in the VFL, and co-captain Nick Lower said it would be a real focus for the side on the weekend.
“It’s been a fantastic thing for the club to have Footscray back in lights once again,” Lower said.
“It’s been great to see the crowds come out to all the finals and seeing a lot of smiles on the faces out in the west.
“The week ahead’s going to be fantastic not only for our team but also the community out west.”
While Footscray does not have the luxury of their AFL affiliate still in finals, Box Hill has had full access to Hawthorn listed players like Ben McEvoy and could this week potentially see Cyril Rioli introduced back to playing via the VFL.
“He (Rioli) might struggle to fit in the team,” Bello joked. “We’ll come to that hurdle when we get there, but there’s so much depth at the club right now that anyone who comes in or goes out is either going to be unfortunate or fortunate.”
Bello is unlikely to make unforced changes to a side that has been so impressive in getting to another grand final, but said should the need arise than there was plenty of young talent to draw upon from the development side.
“There’s 12 guys that will be a part of the training squad this week, so the depth at our club’s been phenomenal,” Bello said.
“There’s a lot of guys putting their hands up, Pete McEvoy’s obviously one, but also Sam Cust and (Brandon) Wood as well so there’s plenty of names there that can fill the void should we need to.”
VFL Grand Final
Box Hill v Footscray
Etihad Stadium
Sunday, September 21, 2.15pm
Adults: $20 / Concession: $15 / Kids 12 & under: Free
