SANDHURST will be aiming to achieve a fourth consecutive premiership when it tackles Gisborne in Saturday's under-18s grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Dragons have won all three battles with the Bulldogs this season.
Latest showdown between the teams was 58-point win for Sandhurst in the second semi-final.
Gisborne coach Brad Spear said his team faces a huge challenge against an opponent on a 19-game winning streak.
“There have been a lot of challenges for us all season,” Spear said of Gisborne’s run to another under-18s grand final.
A lot of Gisborne’s best who were eligible for the under-18s played significant roles in the seniors run to be within a goal of a grand final appearance.
Spear said a key focus for Gisborne in the under-18s grand final would be pressure and player awareness.
“Sandhurst sets up really well at stoppages. Their run and teamwork is excellent.
“It will be really important at the contests and keeping the pressure on them all game,” said Spear.
Key players for Gisborne include onballer Liam Rodgers, full-forward Brody Lamplugh, Brandon Davies at half-forward, and Oliver Clough off half-back.
The Daniel Francis-coached Sandhurst has a lot of attacking options.
“Our running capacity, midfield options and being such an even team have have been strengths all season,” Francis said.
“We know that Gisborne will put us under a lot of pressure,” Francis said.
Key players in the Dragons’ run include Tom Broadbent, Ned Slater, Fergus Greene, and a defence led by Xavier Henderson, Hugh Bruinier and Billy Hughes.
Leading goalkickers are Zac Alford 51; Jack Exell 30; and Lachlan Furness 28.
The under-18s clash starts at 9am at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
