THE Sunraysia Football Netball League is expecting a bumper grand final crowd this Saturday, with sunny forecast conditions and four clubs contesting the three final football matches.
Finals crowd numbers have so far been higher than recent seasons and SFNL president Peter Congress said there was no reason to believe that would not again be the case on Saturday.
Mr Congress said a top temperature of 18 degrees and clear conditions should make for perfect viewing.
“Unfortunately, we probably copped the worst conditions of the season for last weekend’s preliminary finals, but many people braved the conditions to support their club or just take in some finals action,” Mr Congress said.
“With better conditions anticipated this weekend the crowd should be treated to some great footy from the best of the best.
“And with some forecast rain tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday the ground will hopefully dry out but have a degree of comfort for the players.”
Mr Congress said that despite criticism from some quarters, Henshilwood Oval had proved a more than suitable finals venue.
“Some people just aren’t going to the footy any more, whether it’s held at Irymple or anywhere else ... that’s just a fact of life,” he said.
“We’ve had some great feedback about the Irymple venue – both from a spectator and player perspective.
“We just hope that everyone going to this weekend’s grand final enjoys themselves and can go home at the end of the day saying, ‘Well, that was worthwhile.’”
Mr Congress said crowds on Saturday would again be closely monitored by authorities.
“There has been a no BYO alcohol in place for some years now, so we will be carefully monitoring that situation as well as any anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“Grand finals should be family occasions to allow onlookers and players to enjoy that one day of the year,” he said.
“Unfortunately, some people believe they have a right to do whatever they like and while there have not been any issues in that regard this final series, we will be doing whatever it takes to make sure it stays that way, including a significant police and security presence.
“We have a zero tolerance policy with that type of behaviour for anyone wishing to make a nuisance of themselves will be quickly dealt with.”
The league president said that despite previous one-sided affairs between today’s combatants, grand finals had regularly not gone entirely to plan.
“Such is our game that anything can happen on grand final day,” he said.
“I would say that Robinvale went in as favourites in the eyes of many last season and there was a blow-out the other way (Wentworth) so it’s not over until it’s over.
“Grand finals have traditionally thrown in something unexpected, so we’ll have to wait until grand final day to see what that might be.
“Robinvale have not won a flag for 13 years, so they should have a good following, while the home town crowd of Irymple would be expected to get behind their team.
“This day comes around only once a year so I encourage those contemplating their movements on Saturday to do themselves a favour and take in our own one day in September.”
This story appeared in Thursday’s Sunraysia Daily 9/9/2010.
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