The 2024 Omeo and District Football Netball League (ODFNL) grand final will take place at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve this Saturday, with Omeo Benambra looking almost unbeatable as it tackles reigning premier Swifts Creek.
Victory for the Demons would be a classic fairytale, reminiscent of David versus Goliath.
Goliath, a heavily armed Philistine giant, challenged Saul for 40 days to send out a man to fight him. No one would face this warrior until David, armed only with a sling and stones, volunteered, hitting the giant in the forehead with a stone and killing him.
History will be against the Demons as well. Since 1970 when full ODFL records exist, only once has the premiership been won from third position – Swifts Creek in 2010.
The Demons finished fourth this season and no side has ever won from that position.
The ODFNL is all about getting the best possible side to play in the finals and that is what the Alpine Ranges have done, while only losing one match throughout the home and away rounds.
The midfield is full of class and poise, led by coach Josh Piper and Ross Ansaldi, with William Cook, Aidan Hayward and Daniel Jones all more than capable of capatilising on the great work of ruck duo Campbell Ahsam and Joshua Jeff.
It’s a star-studded forward line with local legend James Gibbs combining with former AFL star Ryan Harwood and new kid on block, Harry Warfe, who has booted 87 goals this season, to top the competition goalkicking.
The backline is just as strong led by Chris Wheeler at centre half back and the underrated Tyler Betts at full back, with Riley Steenholdt, Brent Hartnell, Todd Redenbach and James Cottrell all quality players by both hand and foot.
Swifts Creek was a slow starter to the season but has gradually gained momentum, going into the grand final chasing its sixth consecutive victory and more importantly second consecutive premiership.
The Demons defeated the Alpine Ranges to win last year’s flag. They are likely to take to the field with 10 of last year’s premiership side, while Omeo will have as many as 14.
Key ins this year for the Omeo include Steenholdht, Redenbach, Wheeler and Warfe, while for the Demons they have added Brodie Cameron, Daniel O’Brien, Andrew Sandy and Ben Commins.
Swifts Creek certainly isn’t short of class or firepower but the question is whether they have enough to seriously challenge the Alpine Ranges.
Jamie Barton and Conor Harvey are dangerous forwards, while Robbie Crellin often slips under the radar.
Tom King and Daniel O’Brien are quality key defenders, with Mark Cooper, James Turner and Nathan Hayes offering plenty of courage, run and courage.
Sandy has been a revelation in the ruck, Beau Hack is the league best and fairest winner, while Cameron and Commins offer up plenty of grit and determination around the stoppages.
The sides have met three times this year, Omeo winning by in excess of 100 points the first time, and just 14 points the last time the two combatants went to war.
That loss would have given the Demons some hope, but it’s Omeo’s premiership to lose, it’s hard to see the Alpine Ranges juggernaut unravelling on the biggest stage with wise heads like Piper, Gibbs, Cottrell, Ansaldi and Harwood in the engine room.
JUNIORS
The junior football grand final is an interesting clash, with Lindenow South earning the right to tackle Omeo Benambra in the grand final after defeating Swan Reach by 72 points in the preliminary final.
Omeo Benambra was too good for Swan Reach in the qualifying final, outclassing them by 75 points.
The sides have clashed three times this season with the Ranges winning the first two contests before the Swampies smashed them by 60 points in the final round.
If both sides play to their full potential, it could be an epic contest.
