It has been an outstanding season from the Echuca Bombers, finishing a game clear on top of the ladder with 11 wins and just three losses.
The grand final appearance was booked a fortnight ago with a convincing 17-point win over their closest competition on the ladder, Shepparton Notre Gold.
It will be a different side they face in the decider this week, however, after Mooroopna upset Shepp Notre by a point in last weekend’s preliminary final.
Echuca and Mooroopna have fought some close battle this season, with their last encounter a 10-point tussle in the final home-and-away round.
The best player on the ground that day was Echuca captain Liam Gronow, who booted five goals to lead his side to victory.
The GWS Giants academy prospect is confident his side will prove too good for the Cats once again, having beaten them twice already this season.
“We haven’t lost to them this year,” Gronow said.
“It’s always a tough game against them, it’s been within 10 points.
“Hopefully everyone brings the right attitude and play as a team to hopefully get the job done.”
While taking home the silverware will be the ultimate goal this Sunday, Gronow already views the season as a success, with the group working hard to overcome a turbulent start to the season.
“I’ve enjoyed playing with my mates,” he said.
“The first few games we won before a bit of a down period, but we worked together well to climb back up and start winning again.”
Echuca will have its work cut out for it on Sunday, with Mooroopna possessing the top-two goalkickers in the league this season.
The Cats’ William Emanuelli, the top forward in the competition, matched Gronow’s haul of five when the two sides last met, while Rhys Osborne, the second-highest goal scorer in the league, was the most potent forward for the Cats in their preliminary final win.
Echuca has its own raft of stars, however, as Cody Walker has been a standout alongside Gronow this season, while Luke Oellerman has been the equal most prolific in front of goal with Walker, both kicking 21 majors.
Echuca and Mooropna will play off for the premiership at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton this Sunday, with the first bounce set for 2.45pm.
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