While the bookies have Omeo Benambra placed as one of the shortest priced favourites in Omeo District grand final history, there are a number of match-ups which could swing the tide in favour of Swifts Creek.
But just how do the Demons get it done?
The Alpine Ranges annihilated Lindenow South by 98 points in the first semi final, got through the match unscathed and have had a week’s rest.
While Swifts Creek has gradually got better and better, the idea they can get within 10 goals of Omeo Benambra is wild in some footballing circles.
The Demons will have to win almost every position, but here are the key match-ups that may help them overcome the odds.
STOPPING THE BIG MAN
There will be plenty of huge match-ups inside the Alpine Ranges arc, with probably the most intriguing the possibility that James Gibbs and Tom King could go head-to-head. Gibbs needs no introduction, one of the greatest players this region has produced this century, and still capable of dominating a game as he approaches his 40s.
He impressed in the semi final with both his ability to lead up and mark at speed and thread the ball through the big sticks.
King is a home-grown talent who has claimed plenty of huge scalps over the years, with his late closing speed and iron fist.
It’s doubtful King will try and out muscle or mark Gibbs given the size differential, but he has him for speed. If King gets a decent run at the football above eye level, he will be at his most effective.
CENTRE CLASH
Both sides have a decent arsenal in the midfield and quality ruckmen in Andrew Sandy and Campbell Ahsam working the ball to advantage. Beau Hack showed last week he’s the key player for the Demons. If he’s at his best life can be good for coach Conor Harvey and the miraculous Jamie Barton up forward.
Hack could be picked up by Alpine Ranges coach Josh Piper, classy left footer, Ross Ansaldi or the pacy Jordan Robertson.
Piper looms as the most mouth-watering opponent. Though he’s a more stay-at-home centreman than a genuine rover like Hack, both hold the keys to starting their side’s attacks.
Piper is blessed with the ability to get in Hack’s head as well as hurt him with his precise kicking going back the other way.
The beauty of this match-up is you wouldn’t expect them to be shoulder-to-shoulder often, with the contest ultimately decided by who is more effective with the football in hand.
COACH IMPACT
The Demons are at their best when coach Harvey is inside their attacking arc but his likely opponent Chris Wheeler has been a revelation since crossing from Wy Yung.
Wheeler is as effective on the spoil as he is at intercept marking. It’s another great match- up with Harvey needing to have a huge game if the Demons are to be competitive.
Harvey is strong overhead and probably has Wheeler for speed at ground level, but Wheeler will be looking to bring the ball to ground so Todd Redenbach, Brent Hartnell and Riley Steenholdt can go to work.
