THE opportunity for back-to-back premierships presents for Leitchville-Gunbower in Saturday’s Heathcote District league grand final.

Having lost consecutive grand finals to North Bendigo in 2015 and 2016, the Bombers last year broke through for not only their first flag since they joined the HDFNL in 2010, but their first since 1995, with their win over the Bulldogs.

For the fourth year in a row their grand final opponent will again be arch-rival North Bendigo.

Coached by ruckman Michael Pilcher, the Bombers have produced another consistent season in which they will go into the grand final with a 16-2 record.

Their last defeat came when they took an under-manned side to Atkins Street in round 10 and copped a 73-point hiding from the Bulldogs.

But they have since reeled off nine wins in a row, including by four points against North Bendigo in the second semi-final a fortnight ago to earn a week off leading into Saturday.

While the Bombers are renowned for playing a slick and skilful brand of football set up by their run off half-back, they are the No.1 ranked defensive side in the competition led by the experienced backline duo of Ryan Prendergast and Hoby Bussey, who has been with the club all throughout its HDFNL journey. 

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Down the other end the Bombers have boasted a dangerous three-prong attack in which Matt Perri (74), Jake Vandongen (54), who has made a return to football this season, and Daniel Coates (46) have combined for 174 goals.

The classy Tim Lincoln – last year’s grand final best-on-ground – has also been a consistent avenue to goal with 28 and he again looms as one of the X-factors for the Bombers.

Through the middle of the ground the Bombers have again been stacked with plenty of talent.

The hard-working Matt Ladson and Matt Pollock have produced consistent seasons again and recruit Jack Gleeson, who will go into the grand final under the cloud of an unresolved investigation stemming from the second semi-final, finished third in the Cheatley Medal with 15 votes.

Grand final day for the Bombers will start with their under-17s striving for a hat-trick of premierships.

Leitchville Gunbower

B: H. Bussey, M. Hay, M. McEwen

HB: B. Ladson, R. Prendergast, B. Hore

C: M.  Bruns, J.  Gleeson, T.  Lincoln

HF: M. Pollock, D. Coates, S. Turvey

F: L. Pollock, J. Vandongen, M. Perri

R: R. De Groot, M. Ladson, L. Guinan

Int: L. Sieben, B. Walsh, M. Pilcher, D. Couwenberg

Emg: L. Prout, S. Hay

In: M. Hay, S. Hay, L. Prout

Out: J. Donehue 

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