Grand Final, Here We Go!

The time has come. This Saturday, the Hampton Rovers play their first Grand Final in 6 years when they take on Oakleigh in the 2007 VAFA D1 season decider at Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham. A huge crowd is expected to descend on the VFL venue including the big Rovers supporter base.

The Rovers have cruised through the finals series but face a tough test against Oakleigh on Saturday. Both games between the two sides in 2007 have been thrillers. They first met in Round 9 at Scammell Reserve and Hampton came from behind to get up by 3 points. They met again in Round 18 at Boss James Reserve and this time it was Oakleigh getting up by 5 points with a goal in the final seconds.

With the final round loss, the Rovers dropped to third on the ladder and were forced to do it the hard way. Hampton met Prahran in the First Semi Final at Cheltenham and played some of their best footy of the season to smash the two-blues by 101 points. The Rovers followed this up last Saturday in the Preliminary Final thrashing Old Mentonians by 77 points in another scintillating display. With confidence high, the Rovers will be looking to keep the ball rolling in the big one.

Oakleigh came from behind in the Second Semi Final against Old Mentonians to win by a point and earn the week off. The last senior Grand Final for the Rovers was in 2001 when they defeated Old Essendon by 10 goals. A couple of season’s in B grade followed, then a few in C and 2007 in D1. It’s been a few lean years on the field and the club is determine to turn this around.

All is set for an absolute cracker of a game this Saturday and all Hampton Rovers supporters, parents and players are encouraged to make their way to the ground to support the green and gold. The match commences at 2:00pm.

After the big game, head back to Boss James Reserve where the Bar will be open and the 2007 season celebrated in style.

The final training session and team selection will be held Thursday Night at Boss James Reserve. All supporters and parents are welcome along where the Bar will be open and food available. There will also be a limited number of Grand Final tickets available.

The Seniors aren?t the only Hampton Rovers team in a Grand Final this weekend. The Under 19’s have also had an outstanding season and take on Mazenod Friday Night at Elsternwick Park. The action kicks-off at 6:40pm. While overshadowed by the Seniors, this is another huge game and all supporters are encouraged to get along and support the boys in their quest for premiership glory.

Friday’s and Saturday’s games will be followed by the 2007 HRAFC Senior Vote Count to be held Sunday at Boss James Reserve. Come along and re-live the 2007 season and see who?ll be crowned 2007 Hampton Rovers Best & Fairest. Commencing early afternoon.

The club has already won 3 premierships in 2007, support the Under 19’s and Seniors to help make it 5!

Go Rovers!

STATS: HAMPTON ROVERS v OAKLEIGH

Head to head:
Round 9
HR 11.11 (77) d OAK 10.13 (74)
Round 18
OAK 13.16 (94) d HR 11.23 (89)

Biggest score for 2007:
HR – 38.16 (244) v Therry Penola 5.13 (43), Rd 7
OAK – 29.21 (195) v Old Paradians 7.5 (47), Rd 3

Lowest score for 2007:
HR – 7.11 (53) v Bulleen Templestowe 13.6 (84), Rd 4
OAK – 10.14 (74) v Hampton Rovers 11.11 (77), Rd 9

Season Results:
HR – 14 Wins, 6 Losses, 0 Draws (20 games)
OAK – 15 Wins, 3 Losses, 1 Draw (19 games)

Average score for:
HR – 119
OAK – 114

Average score against:
HR – 74
OAK – 76

Last five games:
HR – LWLWW
OAK – LWWWW

Total Players used:
HR – 38
OAK – 37