For the purists, Saturday’s Hastings League grand final will be a mouth-watering clash between two evenly-matched sides.
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Comboyne and Kendall both boast big forward packs, scheming halves combinations and electric backlines capable of attacking from anywhere.
Minor premiers the Tigers have a couple of injury worries which could swing momentum back to the Kendall side, according to Hastings League secretary Geoff Connor.
“I would think that Kendall could be considered slight favourites based on form and the fact that the Tigers haven’t played much football over the past month,” Connor said.
“Comboyne does have a couple of injuries that could upset their combinations too.
“Typically, the side that makes the least amount of mistakes could also prove a decisive factor although both sides are pretty good in attack and defence.
“The bottom line is that these two outfits are very good football teams with a host of smart football players.”
Connor nominated Tigers captain coach Dean Hurrell, possible five-eighth Justin Laurie as the players likely to dominate the contest.
“But then you factor in, Kyle Debreceny, Todd Clarke – who is having a real season and a half at outside centre – Bevan Castles will be dynamic coming off the bench along with the Dorrington brothers and the Tigers are very strong across the park.
“For Kendall, Jahbe Latham will be the player to switch on the Blues attack while Dale Higgins makes a hell of a difference when he takes the field at halfback. And their two centres, Ken Young and Tamati Wigman, are very classy as well.
“They also boast, Daniel Minns at fullback who is a very exciting player while upfront ‘Smokey’ Smith, Anthony Coulon and Jake Bignall will also make their presence felt.”
Special guests on the day include representatives from the 1966 grand final, the Co-op and Long Flat Dragons while the 1991 sides from the Boardriders and Macquarie Hotel are also invited to attend the planned breakfast.
“We are also inviting any potential female players interested in the planned ladies nine-a-side tackle competition to come out at 10.30am to discuss the 2017 plans,” Connor added.
The 1pm Bun Hayward Cup clash is between Long Flat and the Rest, featuring players from the Raiders, Hurricanes and Boardriders.
The main game kicks off at 3pm.
Entry is $5, full bar and canteen facilities are in operation.
