courtesy of YAD69

[span style='font-size: 16px;]ORFFU Grand Final Preview (Cue Top Gun Theme)

The grand final is upon on us and sees what many would say is an unexpected clash between Blanchetown Bunyips and the Groote Eylandt Barracudas.

Semi Final Review

Groote Eylandt knocked out the favourite for this year's title with a hard fought victory over King Island, there is no denying that the Monarchs have underperformed at the pointy end of the season in successive years.

Blanchetown who narrowly avoided an Elimination Final exit made their way through to the decider with an equally hard fought victory over the Panthers.


The Numbers Form Season Average Post Break Average
Groote Eylandt WLLWW 1304 1373
Blanchetown Bunyips WWWWW 1285 1281



The numbers suggest that Groote Eylandt have the potential to go larger but also leak more points (average 39 more points against per week). Blanchetown has quietly got the business done when it counted and come in on the back of 5 straight victories.

Last time these two sides met was in Round 14 with the Cuda's blowing the Bunyips away with a massive 1583 (is this the ORFFU record?) to win by 228 points. Will this flogging have a lasting impression on the Bunyips? Head to head since the byes sees the Barracudas lead 7-2.

Unfortunately this year's grand final has the potential to be hijacked by Ross Lyon & Brad Scott with a serious case of the newest AFL fad ‘resting' to be applied to some teams this week. Baring this in mind a selection summary and tip will be provided post teams on Thursday night……..


I have just dissected the teams as they sit in Matchday, the contest looks likely to see the Bunyips have 0.5 - 1.5 extra players on the park (depending on Ben Newton). Regardless of if Newton gets up we will have a game on our hands as the averages of the players playing is Cuda's 1283 (1252 with oop Ruck, 1187 without Newton) Bunyips 1263.

The questions to be asked are can the Cuda's midfield and stronger bench overcome the likely advantage that the Bunyips will get from Jacobs and potentially the defence. The Bunyips will be heavily reliant on rookies in Laverde & Goddard posting reasonable scores if they are to prevail.

If the Cuda's midfield can get off the leash then they can win this game, however given the likely head start (provided Newton doesn't play) I think the Bunyips have to start favourites in this one.

Bring on Friday arvo for the finals teams.

Good luck!