The scene is set for a massive finale to the East Gippsland Football Netball League (EGFNL) season this Saturday when Lindenow and Boisdale Briagolong clash for the premiership at Bairnsdale City Oval.
The Cats are back in the decider and hunting their first flag since 2019, when they were coached by current mentor Justin Gould during his first tenure at the helm.
Lindenow defeated Boisdale Briagolong on that day, with the Bombers then coached by Josh Stubbe, whose brother Jordan will suit up this weekend.
The Bombers are looking to emulate their premiership triumph of 2024 under Sam Bedggood, who is now in a co-coaching arrangement with Kade and Jake Renooy.
Boisdale Briagolong has been the benchmark all season, losing only once in the home and away campaign — a defeat at the hands of Lakes Entrance.
Lindenow finished the home and away season in second place after dropping four matches, marking a major resurgence following several years in the wilderness.
The Bombers won both home and away encounters between the sides, recording a 33-point victory in round five at the Cabbage Patch and a 10-point win in round 12 at the Lindenow Recreation Reserve.
However, the Cats produced a surprise result in the qualifying final at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve, running out 27-point winners after an entertaining battle.
SELECTION
The Cats emerged from the qualifying final unscathed and are unlikely to make changes. Should a late injury arise, they have Zac Stewart, Ben Rutherford, Noah Rutherford and promising youngsters Charlie Moss and Xavier Cook waiting in the wings.
Boisdale Briagolong introduced brothers Declan and Jude Scriven for last Saturday’s preliminary final in place of Bayden Dowsett (infected knee) and Jack Davidson (injured).
Dowsett remains a possibility to return, potentially at the expense of Declan Scriven or Will Moon. In Dowsett’s favour is his reputation within the Bombers camp as an ideal matchup for Lindenow power forward Peter Harrison.
The Bombers will be reluctant to risk Dowsett unless he is fully fit, given existing fitness concerns across the squad.
Playing injured personnel carries inherent risk, forcing coaches to weigh up the danger of re-injury against whether a star player at partial capacity offers more than a fully fit reserve.
Matt Wilkinson appears to be playing under duress, showing visible discomfort as he moves around team meetings at half time in the reserves. However, the Bombers need him in the forward line making a contest to ease the workload on skipper Jim Reeves.
First-choice ruckman Andrew McKenzie returned recently from his second hamstring injury of the season, leaving the Bombers hesitant to overload him with long stints on the ball. Kelvin Porter has spent limited time in the midfield during his sparse 2026 appearances while battling a debilitating knee injury, while Josh Davis required extensive treatment on his legs at three-quarter time in the preliminary final.
Tom Jolly also took several heavy knocks against Orbost Snowy Rovers that would have sidelined a lesser player.
DEFENCE
Both teams boast resolute defensive units. Nicol Sandison is the key man for the Bombers, bringing intercept marking authority and the ability to nullify key forwards.
Jackson Glenane acts as their designated kick-in specialist, using the ball with skill and precision alongside fellow rebounder Davis.
Moon has played as a tall defender all season, while Ryan Marshall is frequently called upon to play above his height. Jude Scriven appears likely to slot into the back six to take on a shutdown role on Harrison if Dowsett is unavailable.
Jack Van Reyk, Joshua Lando and Sam Richards anchor the Cats’ key defensive posts, well supported by Cooper Shaw, Todd Alexander and shutdown specialist Josh Onley.
Onley is slated to take Reeves, with the Bomber captain looking to improve on his return of three goals across three games against Lindenow this season. Onley is yet to concede more than two goals in a single match this year.
MIDFIELD
The midfield looms as the defining battleground where the premiership will be won or lost.
Both engine rooms feature considerable firepower: David Donchi, Justin Gould and Cameron McPhan for the Cats, opposed to Kade Renooy, Tom Jolly, Ben Brunt and Daniel Johnson for the Bombers.
Boisdale Briagolong cannot afford to lose the stoppage battle. If the Cats generate fast, efficient supply inside 50, their forward structure possesses enough firepower to post a winning total.
Conversely, the Bombers midfield holds an advantage in run and carry, which could prove decisive on the expansive Bairnsdale City Oval. Boisdale Briagolong used its trademark transition play to great effect last week against Orbost Snowy Rovers.
ATTACK
While both teams possess dangerous forward options, Lindenow arguably boasts deeper genuine goal-scoring depth.
Reeves, Wilkinson and Porter are all capable of kicking a match-winning bag for the Bombers. However, the Cats feature a wider spread of threats, with Jake Richards, Harrison, Logan Dunkley, Rohan Blandford and Lachy Carroll all capable of kicking multiple goals.
KEY MATCHUPS
Jim Reeves v Josh Onley
This looms as a pivotal contest. The Boisdale Briagolong skipper will hope for higher-quality supply than in the qualifying final, where contested entries made Onley’s defensive task easier. Reeves is a big-game performer whose scoreboard impact directly correlates with the Bombers’ chances of victory.
Tom Jolly v David Donchi
While they may not clash directly head-to-head, both loom as match-winners based on recent form. Jolly was sensational last Saturday, kicking six goals from the midfield, and his speed and execution will cause major headaches if repeated.
Donchi, the newly crowned league best and fairest winner, is a prolific ball-winner who sets up colleagues with precision. The Bombers will aim to apply far greater pressure on his touches than in the qualifying final to restrict supply to dangerous finisher McPhan.
Jude Scriven or Josh Davis
v Peter Harrison
Jude Scriven appears the likely candidate to start on the dangerous Harrison if Dowsett misses out. While Scriven performed well on Kieran Vickery last week, questions remain over whether he possesses the physical strength to match Harrison over four quarters. Davis represents another option, having impressed on Dunkley in the first final before pushing forward to kick two goals.
Nicol Sandison v Jake Richards
Sandison has impressed since coming into the side with his versatility and intercept capability, getting the better of the battle in their last meeting. Richards will be determined to hit back with a bang on the biggest stage.
VERDICT
Spectators can anticipate an enthralling grand final contest if both sides produce their best football. Weather conditions will play a role, with fans hoping for clear skies and minimal wind at City Oval.
A bumper crowd is expected for what promises to be a tight decider. The contest tilts slightly in Lindenow’s favour given Boisdale Briagolong’s ongoing injury concerns and the Cats’ potent forward setup.
