TeleChoice Championship Series 2009 Grand Final Preview
Both sides have battled their way through ?ups and downs? this season, though without a doubt, the Sharks and Stallions were the strongest finishers in the run home to the finals series ? a point well learnt by Premiers Sydney United over the past fortnight.
The Shire-side hold a significant advantage in the ?head-to-head? encounters this season; Robbie Stanton?s men have won three encounters, with one draw between League, Cup and finals series meetings thus far.
Sutherland Sharks will be eager to overturn the heartache of 2008 where the side fell in the Grand-Final against the now defunct Wollongong Wolves FC, though contrary to last season?s competition the Sharks seem much fresher in this final rush to the championship match.
Coach Robbie Stanton can count on a full strength line-up for this one, with the experience of George Souris in defence worth gold for the squad?s younger members. In the attacking third, Brad Boardman, backed by the midfield presence of the likes of Panni Nikas and Jim Bakis, will prove a handful for the Stallions rearguard, though the only concern for Stanton will be the absence of midfield playmaker, Nick Stavroulakis who has been seen as a big loss for the Shire squad due to suspension.
The Stallions finished the season strongly, and despite losing out against the Sharks in opening weekend of finals series football, have come good with some strong performances. A previous shy-spell in-front of goal has been completely quashed by the immense performances of Alexander Canak and Erick Anabalon, with the likes of Ali Al-Hilfi and Ivory Coast imports Ousmane Toure and Vamara Diarra providing excellent service. Captain Nahuel Arrarte has been instrumental as the orchestrator in the middle with his tireless efforts for the side, meanwhile Vuko Tomasevic has remained very strong in the heart of the defence.
With two sides that both like to play the ball across the park, fireworks are expected on Sunday. Most interesting will be to see which side manages to crack their opponents first as both these sides have solid defensive units that have proven difficult to break down in the run into the championship decider. A goal to either side will certainly make for a very open match with both sides possessing some heavy artillery in the attacking third.
-By Joseph Carlucci
