Omeo & District FNL Finals Week 1 preview

The start of August usually begins with the ODFNL finals, but Covid-19 restrictions delayed the normally punctual event.

The top four this year set itself apart in a standard time this season. Although Buchan showed a lot of promise, they were unable to secure wins against the top four to show any threat of a set collection of finals contenders.

Having already played each other recently in the last home and away round of the season, Omeo-Benambra will take on Bruthen in a sudden an elimination semi final to be played at Swifts Creek. The Alpine Ranges won convincingly by 73 points, with 2019 B&F joint winners Cody Graske and Jamie Barton both kicking 4 goals for their respective sides.

In Round 6 they met for the first time this season, and the win for the Mountain Men was even more convincing. Omeo-Benambra finished the game victorious by 91 points and left many wondering if this was the end of the dynasty for Bruthen.

On these performances alone, one would suggest the Bulldogs will be up against it. But if you cast your memory back to 2019, Bruthen were not the favourites leading into the finals series, yet they found a way to win. Based on that alone, they are not to be discounted. However, this season’s results should say Omeo-Benambra have what it takes to get the job done and move onto a Preliminary Final.

For those playing at home, Omeo-Benambra finished third on the ladder with 7 wins, 3 losses and a draw. Bruthen finished fourth on the ladder with 4 wins and 7 losses.