Get to know the players who will take the field in the 2024 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final between Werribee and Southport Sharks at IKON Park on Sunday.
The 2024 Smithy's VFL Grand Final will be contested by two standalone clubs for the first time since the AFL-aligned teams came into the competition in 2000.
This year's premiership decider will also feature the beaten grand finalists from the past two seasons.
Werribee will be striving for its second VFL premiership after winning its maiden flag in 1993, while Southport is hunting its first premiership since joining the competition in 2021.
The two sides met twice during the home and away season and shared one win apiece.
The Tigers won a three-point thriller at Fankhauser Reserve in Round 2 before the Sharks responded with a six-point win at Avalon Airport Oval in Round 19.
2024 Smithy's VFL Grand Final
Werribee (1st) vs Southport Sharks (5th)
Sunday, September 22
3:10pm AEST
IKON Park
Broadcast: The 2024 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final will be broadcast live and free on the Seven Network via Channel 7 in Victoria and 7plus nationally. The match will also be streamed live and free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
Ticketing: For the 2024 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final admission prices will be adults $20, concession/pensioners $15 and children under 15 free. Tickets can be purchased at www.intix.com.au/org/vfl from midday on Tuesday, September 17. Patrons purchasing at the gate are advised the payment method is card only.
Read profiles on all the players selected to take the field in the premiership decider.
WERRIBEE
1. Hudson GARONI
Age: 24; Height: 195cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 68/143; Season matches/scores 20/48.26
VFL State Team 2024
Kicked 41 goals in 2023 and has topped that with a career-best 48 so far this season for a second-successive third place finish in the Frosty Miller Medal. The spearhead is becoming an extremely reliable goalkicker, hitting the scoreboard in every match this year including back-to-back five-goal bags in Round 17-18 and also having three hauls of four. Unlucky not to make the 2024 Team of the Year and could tear this game apart.
4. Cooper WHYTE
Age: 21; Height: 181cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 39/4; Season matches/scores 19/3.4
AFL matches: 1 (Geelong 2023)
Headed up the highway after losing his spot on Geelong’s list following one AFL appearance last year. Has carried out some important jobs both on the wing and in the middle and has been better than his 13-disposal average would suggest. Could be tasked with trying to negate Jacob Heron’s ability to burst from stoppages.
7. Nick HAYES
Age: 30; Height: 190cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 63/57; Season matches/scores 17/10.3
VFL State Team 2024
AFL: Brisbane Lions 0 matches
NEAFL: 35 matches; SANFL: 113 matches
The most experienced player in this game. Hayes played his 200th State League game during the season and remains an extremely valuable commodity as a mobile centre half-forward, getting up the ground and also providing an option for the quick break out of defence. Had his best game since Round 2 in the preliminary final with 17 disposals, six marks and a goal.
8. Jack HENDERSON
Age: 24; Height: 177cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 105/52; Season matches/goals 20/13.3
VFL Team of the Year 2019, 2024; VFL State Team 2024
SANFL: 8 matches
One of the experienced brigade who flew under the radar behind the superstar Tigers’ midfield of years gone by, Henderson really came into his own this year. Played his 100th game, represented the VFL in Adelaide and earned his second Team of the Year selection, averaging 22.6 disposals (10.6 contested) as an inside midfielder. Will be crucial to the Grand Final outcome.
9. Louis PINNUCK
Age: 25 (26 on Tuesday); Height: 188cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 106/22; Season matches/scores 19/5.3
An absolute star off half-back, the rebounder from the Strathmerton dairy farm knows the value of hard work. Mr Reliable for a long-time for the Tigers, his raking kicks out of the defence and into attack are a feature of his game. Another to reach 100 games this year, if Pinnuck gets off the leash, Werribee is invariably hard to stop. Was selected for the VFL State Team but was a late withdrawal through injury.
16. Harry GRINTELL
Age: 21; Height: 176cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 54/35; Season matches/scores 20/12.7
Two years at the Tigers and two Grand Finals after making the move south from GWS. The Giants Academy graduate plays a more important role at half-forward than just kicking goals, often needing to quieten the opposition’s best rebounders. Had a quiet day in the preliminary final, but that’s more of a worry for Southport than it is for Werribee.
17. Aidan JOHNSON
Age: 24; Height: 193cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 20/17; Season matches/scores 19/17.18
A breakout season for the mobile forward who finally locked down a spot in the team after only playing one game previously. Kicked three goals in a game three times, including against the Sharks in Round 19 and only inaccuracy cost him a much bigger haul. Will be asked to provide a chop out for Sam Conway in the ruck with Kobe Annand missing selection.
18. Nathan COOPER
Age: 27; Height: 195cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 56/0; Season matches/scores 14/0.0
VFL Team of the Year 2024; VFL State Team 2024
NEAFL: 45 matches
The best full-back in the competition, Cooper finally got his due recognition with selection in the VFL State Team at the start of the season and the Team of the Year at the end – a remarkable achievement given he missed six weeks with an ankle injury. A genuine stopper, expect him to stand beside former teammate Wylie Buzza at the first bounce – and Buzz will know he’s in for a tough day.
19. Sam AZZI
Age: 23; Height: 195cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 12/0; Season matches/scores 9/0.0
Has done a terrific job filling in for both Cooper and injured skipper Nick Coughlan in the second key defensive role. Only managed three games before this season but has played every game since breaking into the team in Round 14 and helped ensure this frugal backline hasn’t missed a beat.
20. Flynn YOUNG
Age: 22; Height: 181cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 17/13; Season matches/scores 15/11.10
A breakout season for the lively half-forward who loves taking a mark when he seemingly has no right to get the footy. Bobs up to kick important goals at crucial times, including two in quick succession to break the game open against Williamstown in Round 13. Can also provide a chop out in the middle if required.
21. Angus HICKS
Age: 25; Height: 170cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 51/27; Season matches/scores 15/14.7
Crossed from Richmond this year and slotted into the midfield beautifully. Has missed only two games and averaged 15.7 disposals, with his work off the ball being just as important. Injured his hamstring against Southport in Round 19 and missed the past six weeks but has forced his way back into the team for the biggest day of the year.
22. Bior MALUAL
Age: 28; Height: 190cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 84/38; Season matches/scores 20/4.5
Kicked off the year on fire with consecutive 24-disposal games in the first two rounds as a rebounding half-back and wingman, providing terrific run and carry as the Tigers transitioned from defence to attack. Had his quietest game of the year in the prelim – just two touches – but has had 20+ on seven occasions and will be hungry to make it eight.
24. Jay DAHLHAUS
Age: 23; Height: 173cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 35/49; Season matches/scores 18/31.17
One of the best small forwards in the competition, he was unfortunate to miss the Team of the Year squad after 29 goals in 16 home and away matches. Booted four twice and three on four occasions, while his two majors in a low-scoring qualifying final were a huge reason why the Tigers got over Geelong. Will hit 50 career goals with his first major on Sunday.
26. Riley BICE
Age: 23; Height: 185cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 23/4; Season matches/scores 20/3.4
NEAFL: 2 matches
VFL Team of the Year 2024
What a breakout season from the intercepting half-back from Albury. After playing five games as a top up for GWS over several years, Bice made the move to the VFL full-time and has put himself on the radar of AFL club with an invite to the Draft Combine. Has averaged 21.8 disposals at almost 75 per cent, 6.9 marks and 4.7 rebounds. And in the finals? 35 disposals and nine marks against Geelong, before 21 and six grabs against the Lions. A star in the making.
27. Jesse CLARK
Age: 23; Height: 190cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 50/1; Season matches/scores 19/1.1
A reliable cog in the engine, Clark is one of those players who coach Jimmy Allan can set and forget, knowing the job will get done. Had 26 touches against Williamstown in a Round 13 blockbuster and contributed 21 and nine marks to lift his team over the Cats in the qualifying final. Played his 50th game in the prelim.
28. Stefan RADOVANOVIC
Age: 24; Height: 192cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 38/1; Season matches/scores 11/0.0
A versatile defender, Radovanovic can play as a stopper, an interceptor or a rebounder, and do all three jobs to a high level. Has had some injury issues this year, with three stints on the sidelines, and only broke back into the team for the prelim. Had a quiet day but will be better for the run and may be the one that follows Hugh Dixon when he gets up the ground.
29. Dom BREW (c)
Age: 27; Height: 180cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 110/25; Season matches/scores 20/3.6
J.J Liston Trophy 2024, VFL Coaches MVP 2024, VFL Team of the Year 2023, 2024 (c), VFL State Team captain 2024, Werribee Best & Fairest 2023
On track for a Dustin Martin year. The acting captain has won just about everything since telling his new coach Jimmy Allan that he would win the Liston at the first training session of pre-season. Formerly a tagger behind superstars Tom Gribble, Matt Hanson and co, the hardest worker in the league won the Tigers B&F last year before going to another level. In 2024 he has been the VFL captain, played his 100th match, earned his second Team of the Year selection in a row, was named captain of the VFL Team of the Year and dominated the Liston Trophy count to such an extent that they stopped reading votes with four rounds to go. With premiership and Norm Goss Medals on offer on Sunday, he could end up with a sore neck from wearing all his accolades!
32. Sam PAEA
Age: 22; Height: 193cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 34/43; Season matches/scores 8/7.6
A talented prospect, it’s hard to believe that Paea is still only 22. A dangerous key forward and back-up ruckman despite ‘only’ being 6ft3in in the old, he started the season strongly before wrecking his shoulder at the opening bounce on Anzac Day. Missed 16 weeks but broke back into the team for Round 21, taking 11 marks against Box Hill, and his two late goals last week were crucial to seeing off the Brisbane Lions’ challenge.
33. Jack RIDING
Age: 23; Height: 183cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 23/18; Season matches/scores 19/17.21
Has stepped out of the shadow of the greats of this club and could have had a truly remarkable season if he hadn’t been wayward in front of goal. Playing in the midfield and on the wing, ‘Red Riding Hood’ has had 38 scoring shots for 17 majors while averaging 19.1 disposals, 5.2 marks and 4.3 tackles. His three goals against Port Melbourne were crucial to that result and he looms as someone who could bob up and be a matchwinner.
34. Jaelen PAVLIDIS
Age: 21; Height: 181cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 35/1; Season matches/scores 17/0.0
Returned home to the west after an impressive debut season with the GWS Giants last year in which he played every game and has backed it up with a strong campaign for the best team in the competition. Turns 21 on Saturday, he plays taller than his height indicates, with a best performance of 21 touches and nine marks against Frankston in Round 11.
35. Jake SMITH
Age: 20; Height: 185cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 15/2; Season matches/scores 14/2.5
A third generation Tiger, Smith has impressed since pulling on the famous Big W after playing one game for Williamstown last year. Hasn’t dipped below 11 disposals and put up a career-best 23 in the Round 18 win over Port Melbourne, while booting a crucial second career goal early in the last quarter of the prelim to see off the concerted challenge of the Lions.
36. Zac BANCH
Age: 21; Height: 175cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 16/15; Season matches/scores 14/15.12
A lively small forward, one of a remarkable nine Ovens and Murray league products playing in the Grand Final. Banch is an opportunist who doesn’t need a lot of the footy to make a huge impact. Booted four goals against Coburg in Round 16 to show his capabilities and is someone the Sharks will need to keep an eye on.
50. Sam CONWAY
Age: 25; Height: 204cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 33/1; Season matches/scores 15/0.1
Has been entrusted with the sole ruck role, with selectors opting not to recall Kobe Annand after his qualifying final suspension. Starred in the ruck in 2022 before missing all of last year with a foot injury, he was dropped after Round 5 and spent eight weeks on the outer before being recalled with an edict from coach Jimmy Allan to be more aggressive. Hasn’t missed a game since, averaging 33.7 hitouts including a career-best 56 against the Lions last week.
EMERGENCIES
10. Kobe ANNAND
Age: 22; Height: 200cm
VFL: Career matches/goals: 32/6; Season matches/goals 13/5.3
Will be rueing his crucial mistake in the qualifying final against Geelong that cost him a one-match suspension which meant he missed the prelim. Was quiet that day and hasn’t been able to force his way back in as the Tigers opt for a one-on-one battle between Sam Conway and Brayden Crossley.
14. Michael SELSBY
Age: 23; Height: 176cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 30/19; Season matches/scores 2/2.0
The former Shark defender has struggled to break into the Tigers’ line-up this year, playing just two games, the most recent against his old team in Round 19. Kicked two goals against Coburg in Round 16 and will be ready to go if required. Was named in the WRFL Division 1 Team of the Year.
15. Matt KEAST
Age: 22; Height: 181cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 34/12; Season matches/scores 7/1.2
Has been in and out of the team this year, unluckily losing his spot after a qualifying final that yielded 14 touches and seven marks. Another the Tigers will be confident of being able to contribute if required.
31. Cam McLEOD
Age: 22; Height: 193cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 6/1; Season matches/scores 1/0.0
Just the one game this year but has been emergency on multiple occasions as that back-up mid-sized player.
43. Charlie BYRNE
Age: 21; Height: 184cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 3/1; Season matches/scores 1/0.0
Another youngster who has only snuck in for one appearance this season but will be ready to go if need be.
45. Connor THAR
Age: 23; Height: 174cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 15/18; Season matches/scores 6/3.2
A hard-luck story of the Grand Final for the second year in a row, Thar is the one who has had to make way for the return of Angus Hicks from injury. Was also a late out for last year’s decider after playing his first game in four months in the prelim, a game in which he kicked three goals.
COACH: Jimmy Allan
Played 27 games for Werribee as a young man before a decorated career in the SANFL that netted three Margarey Medals, five North Adelaide best-and-fairests and a premiership for Norwood. Given the huge job of keeping the Tigers at the top after the departure of Michael Barlow, he has done brilliantly, taking his team to a Grand Final and being named coach of the year in his debut season. A flag would be the ideal way to cap a perfect season.
SOUTHPORT SHARKS
1. Boyd WOODCOCK
Age: 24; Height: 177cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 59/53; Season matches/scores 21/13.11
VFL Team of the Year 2022, 2023, 2024; VFL State Team 2024
AFL: Port Adelaide 12 matches, 7 goals
SANFL: 43 matches
A superstar who deserves to be playing AFL footy. Just look at all his accolade and add three consecutive podiums in the Liston Trophy (second, second, third) in his three years in the competition, along with twice being runner-up for Southport’s best and fairest. Averaged 28.5 disposals this year and kicked 13 goals, a number only reduced by a slight change in role that meant he didn’t kick one for 10 weeks mid-season. Started the season with 44 disposals against Port Melbourne and only dipped below 20 twice, with his 33 and a goal in the prelim being a big part of why the Sharks are playing this weekend.
2. Zac FOOT
Age: 23; Height: 180cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 53/45; Season matches/scores 21/17.29
AFL: Sydney 2 matches, 1 goal
NEAFL: 20 matches
A potential matchwinner on the wing or at half-forward, Foot’s seven goals in two weeks in Round 21 and the elimination final showed just what he is capable of. Accuracy in front of goal hasn’t been his strong suit this year (17.29) but given he has been quiet in the past two games he is primed to make a huge impact on the big stage.
3. Jacob DAWSON (c)
Age: 25; Height: 182cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 69/14; Season matches/scores 20/3.9
VFL Team of the Year 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024; VFL State Team 2024
Southport Best & Fairest 2021, 2022, 2023
AFL: Gold Coast Suns 9 matches, 1 goal
The best inside midfielder in the competition over a sustained period, Dawson is another who deserves to be back on an AFL list. In four seasons at the Sharks, the contest beast has been in the Team of the Year every season, won all three Doc McKenzie Medals available to him and represented the VFL earlier this year. Averaging 31 disposals (11 contested) at nearly 70 per cent, six clearances and five inside-50s, He is one the Tigers will surely have put a lot of time into.
4. Mike MANTEIT
Age: 28; Height: 189cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 84/24; Season matches/scores 19/6.3
Southport premiership 2018
AFL: Collingwood 0 matches
NEAFL: 69 matches
One of two members of Southport’s 2018 NEAFL premiership team still standing, Manteit played his 100th game for the club and his 150th in State League footy this year and will be the second most experienced player in this game. A reliable midfielder who has moved to the backline, he has also been able to bob up with six goals. Puts up a 22-disposal game about every four weeks – and he’s due for the next one.
5. Jacob HERON
Age: 24; Height: 184cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 68/22; Season matches/scores 21/14.8
AFL: Gold Coast Suns 13 matches, 2 goals
NEAFL: 33 matches
While Jacob Dawson and Jesse Joyce do most of the gruntwork, Heron’s bursts away from stoppage ensures their efforts don’t go to waste. Having a career-best year with 20.6 disposals at 75 per cent and 5.1 clearances, he has also averaged 5.5 tackles to prove he’s more than just an attacking weapon, which makes him even more dangerous.
6. Max SPENCER
Age: 27; Height: 190cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 88/5; Season matches/scores 21/3.2
AFL: Gold Coas Suns 8 matches
NEAFL: 46 matches
A former Tiger, Spencer is closing in on 100 VFL and 150 State League appearances, and he does it with a minimum of fuss. He rarely grabs the headlines but has taken at least six marks in defence on 15 occasions this year and can quite rightly lay claim to being in the Nathan Cooper category of star defenders. Likely to take either Sam Paea or Nick Hayes, and given the contrast in their styles, it shows just how versatile he is.
10. Mackenzie WILLIS
Age: 29; Height: 182cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 55/2; Season matches/scores 21/1.0
AFL: Gold Coast Suns 11 matches
NEAFL: 56 matches
Another reliable under-the-radar defender who played his 100th State League game this year. Willis is likely to be asked to lock down on a dangerous rival like Jay Dahlhaus or Zac Banch. Has only had 12, eight and six disposals in the finals, but that is not his role and if he can limit one of the matchwinners above it will go a long way to keeping the premiership cup in Queensland.
11. Ben JEPSON
Age: 22; Height: 184cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 60/4; Season matches/scores 21/1.5
VFL Team of the Year 2024; VFL State Team 2024
Coburg Best & Fairest 2023
What a year for Jepson. Headed north after winning Coburg’s best and fairest as a midfielder in a team that was competitive but didn’t win a game and finds himself heading into a Grand Final as a VFL representative and Team of the Year defender. Averaged 25 disposals at a whopping 82.9 per cent efficiency, plus six marks and five rebounds and has become a genuine star.
12. Jay LOCKHART
Age: 28; Height: 177cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 81/76; Season matches/scores 18/33.19
AFL: Melbourne 22 matches, 9 goals
Yet another former AFL player who is a crucial part of this team. Has kicked 33 goals as a marking mid-sized forward to be second in the Sharks’ goalkicking to spearhead Hugh Dixon. Only had it five times last week but still kicked two goals to be a key factor in the win and has only failed to hit the scoreboard twice this year, with 11 instances of multiple goals. If he gets off the chain, it is hard to see the Sharks not lifting the cup.
14. Matt McGUINNESS
Age: 24; Height: 195cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 51/2; Season matches/scores 17/0.1
AFL: North Melbourne 0 matches
Another unassuming tall defender who just gets the job done. McGuinness played his 50th game in the semi-final and doesn’t let his man get an easy ball. If Max Spencer can go with the more mobile Nick Hayes, that will allow McGuinness to lock down on Sam Paea and make it hard for the Tigers to find avenues to goal.
15. Wylie BUZZA
Age: 28; Height: 198cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 113/157; Season matches/scores 12/17.10
AFL: Geelong 9 matches, 6 goals; Port Adelaide 0 matches
NEAFL: 7 matches
A cult figure wherever he goes with one of the great names in footy, but he is much more than that. His strong leading and ability to bomb the long goal just when his team needs it the most makes him a dangerous commodity for any opponent. Would love nothing more than to cap off his first year with Southport with a flag, even though it would mean breaking the hearts of a club he still loves despite only spending one year there.
16. Matt SHANNON
Age: 27; Height: 184cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 51/21; Season matches/scores 21/12.9
A second year Shark who headed north after captaining Carlton in 2022 – a role he was given despite having played just two VFL games in proof of his leadership qualities. Shannon is another small defender who does his job with a minimum of fuss or recognition. But he is more than capable of hurting you at the offensive end, kicking 12 goals in his 21 games.
17. Keegan GRAY
Age: 24; Height: 183cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 65/24; Season matches/scores 19/12.13
A huge day for this talented half-forward who represented Werribee in last year’s Grand Final before heading north. Has had a strong year, providing a target while playing above his height. Kicked three goals each in Round 21 and the elimination final to show his capabilities and the Tigers will not be able to allow him a free rein.
18. Rhys CLARK
Age: 31; Height: 191cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 64/9; Season matches/scores 19/3.1
Southport Premiership 2018
NEAFL: 36 matches
Along with Manteit, Clark is the other remaining member of the 2018 premiership team, but that is only after returning from retirement this year. Returned home to country Victoria after the 2022 loss to Casey but was lured back this year and has resumed his position as a frugal defender who is hard to score against. Likely to play on Hudson Garoni, and if he can keep the spearhead quiet the Sharks will be well on their way.
20. Brayden CROSSLEY (c)
Age: 25; Height: 199cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 68/48; Season matches/scores 21/12.8
VFL State Team 2024
AFL: Gold Coast Suns 10 matches, 5 goals
NEAFL: 33 matches
There is no bigger cult hero in the VFL than the Sharks co-captain, who looks like a throwback to the 1970s with the handlebar moustache and the lion-hearted, never-say-die approach to the game. But that is selling him short because he is a genuine star and he is very unfortunate to not make the Team of the Year. He is the closest thing the VFL now has to undersized champion Seagull Nick Meese, who won his position week-in-week-out despite always giving away inches in height. Hasn’t had less than 44 hitouts since Round 18.
21. Jackson EDWARDS
Age: 24; Height: 186cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 39/20; Season matches/scores 21/15.8
AFL: Adelaide 0 matches
SANFL: 48 matches
Things didn’t quite work out at Adelaide for the son of Crows champion Tyson Edwards, but he has been a revelation since heading north to join the Sharks last year. His disposal count has dropped slightly this year (21 to 18), but his impact has increased with 15 goals and he remains a smooth mover who uses the footy exquisitely. Can play half-back, half-forward or wing and is due for a huge day.
25. Jesse JOYCE
Age: 27; Height: 183cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 70/30; Season matches/scores 21/3.2
AFL: Gold Coast Suns 64 matches, 2 goals
The third musketeer to Jacob Dawson and Boyd Woodcock, but that is probably selling him short given he arrived at Fankhauser with 64 AFL games under his belt. The reliable cog in the midfield wheel, Joyce can gather the footy (31 in Round 1 and three games of 25 disposals) but he is also capable of doing a job on an opposition star that allows the other two and Jacob Heron to thrive. Could he be asked to quell Dom Brew? That would be a real sliding doors moment given the Tiger champion built his career on being the hunter rather than the hunted.
27. Will SEXTON
Age: 21; Height: 183cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 34/15; Season matches/scores 19/12.8
Moved from the Northern Bullants to join his brother this year and had rival defences seeing double as the dynamic duo caused headaches whenever they were near the ball. Both are high pressure defensive forwards, but both are capable of bobbing up and kicking a crucial goal. Will’s importance to this team is shown by the fact he has been rushed back into the team after exiting concussion protocols from an accidental collision that knocked him out against Frankston.
28. Jack SEXTON
Age: 22; Height: 178cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 36/28; Season matches/goals 16/8.9
The sons of four-game St Kilda player and country footy great Damian Sexton, Jack and Will learned to play in the Finley footy factory that produced Tom Hawkins and Shane Crawford. Sitting on opposite forward flanks, they are developing nicely at this level and will both need to be watched closely. Jack doesn’t need much of the ball to impact, kicking crucial goals in each of the past three games.
29. Hugh DIXON
Age: 25; Height: 195cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 21/41; Season matches/scores 21/41.23
VFL State Team 2024
AFL: Fremantle 1 match, 1 goal; West Coast 10 matches, 4 goals
WAFL: 59 matches
East Fremantle premiership 2023
A mobile forward, Dixon is just as comfortable leading out of the goal square as he is pushing up as far as half-back to provide a marking outlet from defence for the Sharks. Has booted 41 goals this season, including two bags of five and will cause plenty of headaches for the Tigers’ defence. Chasing back-to-back flags after winning the WAFL premiership with East Fremantle last year.
30. Nick WILLIAMS
Age: 20; Height: 191cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 26/0; Season matches/scores 21/0.0
Highly rated at Fankhauser Reserve, the Suns Academy product has been a constant in the Sharks’ backline, playing every game and being nominated for the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as one of the rising stars of the competition. Reads the play beautifully and has the ability to play on both tall and small forwards, often taking multiple intercept marks.
32. Brock ASTON
Age: 25; Height: 180cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 12/7; Season matches/scores 12/7.3
Playing his first season at State League level at the age of 25, Aston is a long-time star of the QAFL with Redland-Victoria Point. Being a contested ball gun, he found it hard to break into a team featuring Jacob Dawson and Jesse Joyce, but his sheer dominance for RVP has made him impossible to leave out. Had 29 disposals and two goals against Frankston in Round 9 to showcase his talent.
33. Campbell LAKE
Age: 20; Height: 175cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 29/18; Season matches/goals 21/14.9
Gold Coast Suns premiership 2023
The other reigning premier hoping to go back-to-back after being one of just two VFL-listed Suns to play in Gold Coast’s history-making victory over Werribee last year. The helmeted Lake has that innate ability to find himself in the right place at the right time to kick a crucial goal when his team needs it the most. Kicked three in the scoring avalanche against Frankston in the elimination final and showed he doesn’t get overawed by kicking the go-ahead goal late in the second quarter of last year’s decider.
EMERGENCIES
7. Riley BOWMAN
Age: 24; Height: 198cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 26/7; Season matches/scores 3/0.0
The Sharks’ back-up ruckman, Bowman has found it tough going breaking in simply due to the dominance of the big dog in Brayden Crossley, who has thrived on being the main man.
8. Zach MOLLOY
Age: 22; Height: 184cm
VFL: Career matches/goals: 28/2; Season matches/scores 3/0.0
The younger brother of AFLW superstar Chloe, Molloy didn’t play before Round 17 due to injury and has been edged out of the team simply by the form of his teammates. Won’t let the coach down if he gets his chance.
31. Aiden HALL
Age: 22; Height: 185cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 4/3; Season matches/scores 4/3.0
Crossed from South Fremantle this year after 35 WAFL games but lost his spot after Round 4 and hasn’t been able to force his way back in.
39. Will DERRINGTON
Age: 19; Height: 180cm
VFL: Career matches/goals 9/4; Season matches/scores 4/2.2
Has played the past two finals as the deputy for Will Sexton and hasn’t looked out of place. Kicked a goal against Geelong in the semi, but as the last man in he was always likely to be the one asked to step aside when the pressure forward was right to go.
COACH: Steve Daniel
The equal longest-serving coach in the VFL, Daniel is one of the top blokes in footy and the Sharks would love nothing more than to bookend his stint at Fankhauser Reserve with another premiership. Guided them to the NEAFL flag in his first year in 2018 and has won premierships wherever he has gone. This is his fourth Grand Final in six seasons at the helm.
