NPL 2 NSW Men’s Grand Final Preview
Oh the football we have seen! 26 rounds and two weeks of Finals and now we are finally here.
The Championship will finally be decided.
Who will be crowned 2018 National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s Champion?
St George FC vs. Mounties Wanderers – 4pm Saturday 15th September, Lily Homes Stadium
The Grand Final.
One last dance.
A day when only the best team wins.
You can prepare as best as you can throughout all the season’s matches, but on the biggest stage, all that can be thrown out the window in the blink of an eye.
We will witness two teams who have battled their way and now earnt their place for the last duel.
Since taking over St George, coach Wally Savor has instilled an unparalleled attacking prowess which has seen the Saints bang goals in for fun. They hit a purple patch in the lead up to the finals, seeing them race up the ladder and finish 2nd after the regular rounds.
“(The Grand Final) that’s what we have been aiming for all year” said Savor, speaking with Football NSW. “Now that you are there its within reach now, that process (Finals Series) is done.”
As well as boasting the best attacking record throughout the regular season, St George have developed and played with a great balance of patience and precision, somehow always finding a way to get the best of their chances.
Up in the attacking third, players such as Romero and Morabito have been influential and will no doubt pose a threat for the Mounties with their clinical edge likely to be on full show.
Mounties have climbed a mountain and a half to get themselves into the final day.
After spending the majority of the season in the mid-table madness, they made the most impressive late season run to land themselves the last spot in the finals.
Their run of form has not stopped and they kept on rolling, taking down North Shore in the first round of the Finals. Then in the Semi Final last week, they claimed the prized scalp of Premiers Mt Druitt, and boy did the Mounties roar.
Having left St George early in the season and taking over as head coach at Mounties, it paints a surreal and one off scene for Terry Palapanis.
“I feel weird about it. I don’t think there has ever been a Final where I have coached both teams during the year,” he told Football NSW.
“I built that team over 2 years…I know them inside out, they are very good side and have some great players.”
His side have played an effective brand of football and their game plans have worked to almost perfection in the Finals Series.
Vocal and resolute at the back, Mounties were elevated with Mijic returning to the fray in the Semi Final.
They will be confident with his presence in the defensive third which will mean crafty players in the form of Beneit Romero and Pivato can weave some magic in the quest for goals.
How one prepares their side could be crucial in this fixture, for Saints coach Savor it’s all about the little things.
“(This week) will be about recovery and refocusing, getting our energy back for the game” he said. “Have a few tactical sessions and figure out where we can hurt Mounties.”
Mounties may have to adjust their game plan with injuries likely ruling out some players which may lead to a difficult week brewing the perfect plan for coach Palapanis but he is adamant that now the final day has come, whatever happens his side will be ready.
“I am big on being prepared, I had someone go out and watch their match (Semi-Final), I’ve been briefed a bit” he told Football NSW. With his knowledge of the opposition, he has already picked out some players his Mounties side will need to keep their eye on. “Romero is a good player…it will be tricky,” he continued.
Bring your popcorn to the show, there is going to be fireworks in the final showdown.
The match will also be live streamed on the NPL NSW Facebook page with coverage kicking off at 4pm with Tony Tannous calling the big clash.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NPL 2 NSW Men’s Grand Final Match Day Program 2018
-By Marcus Flottmann
