Moore Creek FC vs Hillvue Rovers FC – Under 15/16’s (8:00AM)
The stage is set for an electrifying Grand Final as the dominant Moore Creek takes on Hillvue Rovers. With an impressive record of 90 goals scored and only 2 conceded, Moore Creek is looking to cap off a stellar season. Hillvue, despite being in 4th place, has shown resilience and determination throughout the season, scoring 68 goals but allowing 24. This final promises to be a showdown of contrasting styles and strategies.
Moore Creek enters this match showcasing an incredible offensive and defensive prowess throughout the season. Their goal-scoring ability has been unparalleled, and their defence has proven nearly impenetrable.
Coach Matt Bridge spoke on the upcoming Grand final - “Hillvue had a good record of winning Grand Finals, and this will be 3 straight if they can do it with the same team. So, for us, it’s all about playing defensively strong, and we haven’t played a full strength Hillvue throughout the season. We’ve had a couple of wins against them but one time they only had 9 players and the other time they didn’t have a full squad. So, for us, I think defence will win us the game.”
“The backline has been the strength of the team.” Bridge said on his teams focus for tomorrow. “Players like Mason Nawer and Mitch Williams have stepped up and took control of that backline. The boys attack pretty quick, but it all leads from the backline and by being strong, so they’re able to push forward with numbers. It’s just a matter of getting through the game and I think it’s just one shot that will win the game and be the difference.”
Hillvue have shown they can rise to the occasion by taking the hard route to the Grand Final after finishing 4th and needing to win two elimination finals before even getting to the big dance. Coach Peter Maxwell commented “The fact we’ve had to go the hard way has been a good thing. It’s been good to be able to play a couple of games and get some successive results. Last wee was a bit close but we got through it. We’re feeling pretty confident.”
Their defensive record this season has had some weaknesses, but Hillvue’s Coach Peter Maxwell believes they “have managed to work that out” and their defence has “become really strong” in the backend of the season. On how Hillvue will look to control the game, Maxwell said “It’s just going to be trying to crack them and get some goals. I don’t have too many issues with conceding but scoring goals will be our priority.”
North Companions White vs Kootingal Purple – Under 12’s (10:00AM)
The stage is set for a thrilling Grand Final as North Companions take on Kootingal in what promises to be a fiercely contested match. With Kootingal finishing in 1st place and North Companions just behind in 2nd, this showdown is not only a battle for the title but also a chance to claim bragging rights.
Kootingal enters the final as the league leaders, having displayed consistent form throughout the season. With a strong offensive lineup and a resilient defence, they will be looking to assert their dominance on the grand stage.
Looking back on the year and towards the Grand Final, Coach Yvie Roworth said “It’s been a great year for our players, working together and supporting each other throughout the who season. They’re a great bunch of kids.”
“We are going to go out there and try our absolute best. Northies White are strong side” but they “have been lucky with penalties both games so we will wait and see.”
On Kootingal’s playstyle for the weekend, Roworth said that “it comes down to possession and controlling the game. IF we can do that, we should have the upper hand.”
North Companions, having finished just two points behind Kootingal, come into this final with confidence. Their previous win (3-2) against Kootingal and a hard-fought draw (2-2) during the season showcase their ability to compete at the highest level.
North Companions White Coach, Chris Adams spoke about the previous games and his teams plan for the Grand Final – “We got the team to do it but whether or not we can control their midfield is another question. They’ve scored some nice goals but if we can cut them down, try to play it wide and then see what happens when we cut the ball in.”
North Companions will look to “maintain possession. We’ll try to limit mistakes at the back. We have Max Johnson there and he tidies up a lot. He’s got a bit pf pace and skill about him, so we’ll just try to cut out their speed up top.”
Moore Creek Pink vs Moore Creek Orange – Under 13’s (11:30AM)
In a unique Grand Final matchup, it’s an all-Moore Creek affair as Moore Creek Pink faces off against Moore Creek Orange. With both teams hailing from the same club, this final is a testament to their shared values, camaraderie, and competitive spirit. However, only one can claim the title, making for an intriguing contest.
Finishing at the top of the table with an astonishing record of 134 goals scored and only 10 conceded, Moore Creek Pink has been a force to be reckoned. Their attacking prowess and solid defence have made them the clear favourites all season.
Moore Creek Pink Coach, Matt Bridge, spoke on the sides quality and how it’s been nurtured from a young age – “It’s a team that’s been together since Under 5’s. They play as a team very well and look to get the ball forward quickly.”
Speaking on the Grand Final and how any previous results don’t matter, Bridge stated “Anyone can win on their day, especially come to a Grand Final. It’s Moore Creek vs Moore Creek, so it’ll be interesting. Moore Creek Orange is a strong team, and it just depends on if we come in with good spirit and play well. Both teams get along well and a few go to school together. It’s just two teams that love football and everyone is there just to have a bit of fun.”
Moore Creek Orange finished 2nd with 58 goals scored and 26 against, they have shown resilience and determination throughout the season and are coming off a strong 5-1 Preliminary Final win. Their strong team spirit and tactical adaptability will be crucial as they take on their clubmates.
Speaking on the season and upcoming Grand Final, Coach Stephen Doley said: "The season has been great. The boys have played well as a team and had plenty of fun throughout the year. We’re very positive and are looking forward to a competitive match and will look towards playing to our strengths and looking for a strong counter-attack.”
This Grand Final promises to be more than just a match; it’s a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the spirit of the Moore Creek club. Regardless of the outcome, both teams will display their skills and sportsmanship, making this a memorable fixture for the club and their players.
Hillvue Rovers vs North Companions Black – Under 14’s (1:15PM)
The Grand Final is upon us, featuring a thrilling clash between North Companions and Hillvue Rovers. With North Companions finishing 1st and Hillvue Rovers in 2nd, both teams have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the season. This matchup promises to be a riveting contest between two top sides vying for the championship.
North Companions enters the final with an impressive record of 93 goals scored and just 4 conceded, showcasing their potent offense and rock-solid defence. Their disciplined play and strategic approach have made them a formidable opponent all season long.
Speaking on the season and Grand Final, North Companions Coach Adam Skewes said: “It’s been a real good season and one of the best things was Gunnedah united being involved. It’s just made it a real interesting sort of competition; the kids have been able to travel and sort of play a different style of football.” On the game “I think there’s gonna be a lot of passion. These teams have come together last year when Hillvue went through undefeated and beat us 2-1 in the Grand Final. We know how close it’s been this year, so I think it’s gonna be no different. Hopefully it’s a nice, hard and fair game and hopefully this year it’ll be a win our way.”
Looking forward to North Companions focus tomorrow, Skewes said: “For us, just the first 10 minutes to purely hold, get a feel for the game and then after that, I want to play attacking football.”
Hillvue Rovers, having secured 2nd place with 70 goals scored and 8 conceded, have proven their resilience and ability to compete against top teams. Their recent victory over North Companions (2-1) in the Major Semi-Final has given them the mental edge, and they will be eager to carry that momentum into the Grand Final.
Speaking on the season and upcoming game, Hillvue Rovers Coach Warwick Lyne said: “It’s been a very positive and enjoyable season. We had four new people join the team who hadn’t played much before, and they found a home with Hillvue.”
“I expect another close game (with North Companions). The last three times we’ve played, including last year, it’s been decided by one goal. Our strength will be possession, but we know we’ll need a solid defence to have a chance (tomorrow).
