The Bairnsdale Advertiser has compiled a predicted team list for this weekend’s Omeo District Football Netball League grand final.
BRUTHEN
B – Will Matthews, Dylan Doeke, Nat Griffiths.
HB – Rhys Kennedy, Lucas Lakay, Daniel Hasler.
C – Dylan Somerville
HF – Brendan Flinn, Richard Harrison, Ray Giddings.
F – Ethan Hubbard, Jirra Moffat, Jan Cabaybay.
R – Jake Keown, Nicholas Ward, Harley Kenner.
Interchange – Nigel Pearce, Ben Powell, Hamish Young, John Williams, Jake Flinn, Cory Thomson,
OMEO BENAMBRA
B – Ben May, Tyler Betts, Ben Jobling.
HB – Jordan Robertson, Brent Hartnell, Brady Pendergast.
C – Brandon Betts,
HF – Hudson Collins, Jai Hayward, Daniel Richardson.
F – Travis Bulmer, Cody Graske, Ross Ansaldi.
R – Campbell Ahsam, Aidan Hayward, Tarquin Crosby.
Interchange – Colten Pendergast, Trent Heesom, Sam Grinter, Jerome Domegracia, Dean Jobling, Jake Flannagan, Danny Lee, Robert Sternson.
PREVIEW
Bruthen and Omeo Benambra will face off in the 2026 Omeo District Football Netball grand final at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve this Saturday.
Its looms as a classic showdown; the defending champion, Omeo Benambra chasing a historic three-peat, against Buchan who are unbeaten this season.
The Bulldogs will be all rested up after a week off last weekend, while the Alpine Ranges took part in a tough and bruising encounter against arch rival, Swifts Creek in the preliminary final.
Both sides are full of talented players, fearless individuals who attack the ball with intent and do any thing to get the ball and protect their teammates.
Bruthen’s advantage throughout 2026 over the other teams has been its fielding kicking, with players like Dylan Somerville, Harley Kenner, Brendan Flinn, Nicholas Ward and Will Matthews able to hit up a target with precision often from 60 metres.
This is an area that the Alpine Ranges will need to combat if they are to cause an upset, which isn’t often something you say when a side is going for a three-peat.
But they will go in as underdogs and that won’t concern co-coaches, Wheeler and Tomkins, that will suit them just fine.
Both sides have match winners inside the forward 50, with Jirra Moffatt (Bruthen) and Ross Ansaldi (Omeo Benambra) definitely players to watch, while Brendan Flinn (Bruthen) and Hudson Collins (Omeo Benambra) will add the pace and flair.
The Alpine Ranges midfield obviously lacks the brilliance of the much touted Bulldogs engine room, but Brandon Betts, Tarquin Crosby, Brady Pendergast and the Haywood brothers, Aidan and Jai can all seriously play.
Bruthen co-coach, Matt Arnold is looking forward to the challenge after a week off.
“Going into the clash, businesses as usual, just another game of football for us. We have no excuses,” Arnold said
“The big dance on the home deck is a bonus and we go in full strength well rested.”
“Training at present is more about our attitude, intensity and the winning mindset, overcoming the pressure that we will have on us.”
Arnold expects the Alpine Ranges to play to their strengths.
“They have plenty of experience, and a lot to play for, given that a three peat is on the line, but having majority of the same playing group their chemistry is their best asset in my opinion,” Arnold said.
All roads will lead to Bruthen, with a huge crowd expected to witness an intriguing clash, Bruthen go in clear favourites, but can the Ranges find a way yet gain.
Omeo Benambra roster this season, adding run, pace
and enthusiasm. (PS)
