Match Preview

After a year full of trials and tribulations it all comes down to this moment as the Associates Premier Grade side take on Kalamunda for the biggest prize in West Australian Rugby.

Running out onto Pat O’Hara Reserve for the second consecutive year, the Associates are no strangers to Premier Grade finals.

Coming off the back of a heartbreaking grand final loss at the hands of Wests Scarborough last year, the Swanbourne club has built a successful season leading the competition for the majority of the year.

With a lot of the players finding their feet this year and moving up into leadership roles, Associates have been able to generate a great deal of discipline in their defence while maintaining the ability to overpower their opponents when the ball is in hand.

The 2018 Fortescue Finals Series has not been one to disappoint with all the matches going down to the wire.

After knocking off the Minor Premiers Nedlands to regain the RugbyWA cup in Round 17, Soaks have been able to carry their momentum through to a huge win last week against back to back reigning champions Wests Scarborough in a 27-24 victory.

After having a disappointing finish to the 2017 season, the Kalamunda Bulls looked towards this season with big plans.

Demonstrating the progress in club culture this year, head coach Grant Oakley focused on improving his current squad rather than relying on recruiting.

Fly-half Preston Elama stepped up to the plate as he orchestrated his squad into the finals as well as earning himself the NEGU Award for most improved player in 2018.

Inserting Elama’s talent into an already star-studded backline that boasts big names such as Maaloga Koneilo and Koiatu Koiatu, Kalamunda will surely be a dangerous threat if the ball finds itself out wide.

Kalamunda, who have had arguably the toughest road into the Grand Final were able to seal their position last weekend with a hard-fought 24-19 victory over Minor Premiers, Nedlands. Clever use of their forwards put Nedlands on ice-skates in the scrum resulting in a mere five point win.

Living up to their underdog label Kalamunda’s defeat of Nedlands came as an upset in the Premiership Division. Having a strong combination of punishing front rowers and dynamic backs “The Bulls” have shown they can beat any team in this competition.

This prowess on attack will be crucial if Kalamunda want any chance of crashing through the brick wall of a defence that is Associates.

Teaming up with an already extremely destructive front row the loose forwards forced themselves in the spotlight this year putting in an incredible performance which has greatly contributed to their finals appearances.

The phrase ‘lead by example’ was obviously a focus for Associates this season with Captain Dean Taylor-Menzies and Vice-Captain Lachie Valentine were two players who absolutely annihilated the opposition on both sides of the ball.

With this as banner to follow Valentine and Menzies were able to lift their squad into some spectacular team performances finishing the season with 19 different players all winning PG Hampshire votes reflecting a true combined performance from the men in gold.

So much talent and some great names running out for both sides, it is impossible to guess a winner in this year’s Grand Final. Will Associates finally get over the finals hump and take away the Premier Grade Cup or will Kalamunda have a story book finish in what seems to be a dream season?