Community League Grand Final Weekend Preview
After a rain delay two weeks ago pushed finals back, the stage is finally set for Men’s Community League Grand Final weekend. The pitches are ready, the crowds are buzzing, and the stories of redemption, dominance, and raw passion are about to unfold. Former players from the A-League, NPL, and IPL mix with homegrown heroes in a celebration of grassroots football, where every tackle, pass, and strike carries weight.
Friday night brings history as both the Uni Bombers and Brewers contest their Grand Finals for the first combined time in history, with Brewers coach and club stalwart Daniel Tuckwell leading his side into uncharted territory. Saturday shines the spotlight on Dandaloo FC, whose AA1 First Grade and Second Grade squads enter undefeated, carrying the chance to cement themselves as one of the league’s most dominant forces.
In the Masters, all eyes are on Coledale, chasing the rare feat of winning both the Over 35 Division 1 and Over 45 Division 1 crowns — a testament to depth, skill, and enduring spirit. From first whistle to last, this weekend promises heart-stopping drama and stories that will echo through clubhouses, pubs, and sidelines for years to come.
Friday 6:00pm – AA3: UOW FC vs Woonona Sharks
The AA3 grand final kicks off with a blockbuster to ignite the weekend. UOW FC have been the benchmark all season — undefeated, ruthless, and disciplined. Yet Woonona Sharks have shown they are capable of toppling giants. They actually beat UOW in the major semi-final, only to have the result overturned due to Woonona’s administrative bungle. Undeterred, the Sharks bounced back with authority, thrashing Kiama 4-0 in the preliminary final to earn a second shot at glory.
It’s the classic narrative: UOW’s flawless record facing Woonona’s story of redemption. Expect intensity, passion, and a battle where pride and past grievances collide.
Friday 6:15pm – AA4: Thirroul GPR vs UOW Brewers FC
Thirroul GPR have been a cut above all year, topping the ladder and dismantling Figtree 4-0 in the semi-final with calm precision. They bring organisation, control, and an almost clinical approach. The Brewers are the wildcard, arriving from a patchy season but carrying hidden firepower in the form of Rex Wiefler, who transitioned from the bright lights of the NPL to the physical and unpredictable world of Community League AA4. His skill and experience lift the entire squad.
GPR counter with their own talisman: Jordan Mar, a former Community League Player of the Year whose knack for big moments could decide the trophy. Structure versus unpredictability, precision versus flair — under the Friday night lights, anything can happen.
Friday 8:15pm – AA2: Albion Park Cows vs UOW Bombers FC
Friday night closes with AA2, another top-two clash loaded with intrigue. The Cows stunned the competition in the major semi-final, dismantling UOW 4-0 with a display of power and precision that left jaws dropping. But UOW are back for their fourth consecutive grand final, led by the evergreen duo of Marty Wuestner and Ben Moerman, whose leadership, experience, and composure define the spine of the team.
Albion Park will rely on Hayden Keelan in goal to hold firm, while former Celtic FC youth product Steven McGowan provides a spark off the bench capable of turning the match in an instant. UOW will be burning to prove the semi-final result was a one-off, while the Cows aim to repeat their statement performance. Every pass, tackle, and strike will matter — it’s a rematch dripping with tension.
Saturday 10:00am – Over 35s Division 4: Bulli FC vs Coniston FC
The Saturday action begins with a classic clash of contrasting styles. Bulli’s semi-final 3-1 win over Oak Flats was powered by Alex Mackay’s brace, demonstrating his finishing, composure, and flair in big games. Coniston, meanwhile, rely on defensive steel, grinding out a 1-0 prelim victory with goalkeeper Leo Hughes orchestrating one of the division’s tightest backlines.
It’s attack versus defence: Bulli with pace and creativity, Coniston with organisation and discipline. Set-pieces, transitions, and key moments will all matter, and the first goal could swing momentum and dictate the tempo. Fans can expect tension, drama, and perhaps a single moment of brilliance deciding the day.
Saturday 10:30am – Over 35s Division 2: Oak Flats Kraken vs IFS Community Wolves
One of the tightest competitions all season reaches its climax. Only a single point separated the top three, and these two sides know each other intimately. Oak Flats bring goals and attacking threat, led by Colin Walker, who fired a hat-trick in the semi-final. The Wolves rely on defensive rock Adam Testa to marshal a compact backline and frustrate their opponents.
With one win apiece in head-to-heads this season, this final could be decided by a single lapse or a flash of genius. Every duel, pass, and challenge could be decisive in a match that promises to be as tactical as it is thrilling.
Saturday 12:30pm – Over 35s Division 3: Thirroul GPR vs Albion Park FC
Thirroul GPR stormed clear during the regular season, but finals football is never straightforward. Their 1-0 semi-final win over Albion Park demonstrated how tight margins can be at this stage. Joel Saaghy will aim to control the midfield for GPR, dictating tempo and composure, while Albion Park look to stalwart Joshua Faulks to lead attacks and provide goal threats.
This clash will be tense, tactical, and finely balanced — a contest where the smallest decision can determine the outcome.
Saturday 1:00pm – Over 35s Division 1: Coledale Waves vs Northern FC
The headline Masters clash features two sides brimming with pedigree. Coledale Waves are undefeated, but Northern FC have matched them stride for stride, taking the semi-final to extra time. Both squads feature former NPL, IPL, and even A-League players, giving this match a professional sheen across every line.
Rather than focus on outfield stars, the spotlight falls on the goalkeepers. Coledale’s Cohan Banfield is a dependable rock, while Northern’s Tomislav Arcaba, a former Newcastle Jets custodian, brings composure and shot-stopping class. One save could be the difference between glory and heartbreak in what promises to be a tense, hard-fought grand final.
Saturday 3:00pm – Over 45s Division 2: Woonona Sharks vs Gerringong Breakers
Few divisions have been as unpredictable. Just three points separated first from fifth, making every match this season feel like a decider. Woonona’s consistency earned second spot, while Gerringong snuck into fourth but with a +20 goal difference, showing their ability to blow games open.
The Sharks aim to control the pace and keep things tight, while the Breakers have the firepower to turn the game on its head. This is a grand final where momentum, timing, and composure will define the winner.
Saturday 3:35pm – AA1 Second Grade: Dandaloo FC vs Coledale Waves
Two titans collide. Dandaloo finished the season undefeated, while Coledale remained in relentless pursuit in second. Their semi-final went to extra time, with Nathan Puljic’s 107th-minute strike the only thing separating them.
For Dandaloo, skipper Jakob McCoy is the heartbeat, setting tempo and tone with leadership and drive. For Coledale, new recruit Douglas Drinkwater brings vision, creativity, and calm, shaping the midfield. Expect a match of fine margins, where the smallest moment of composure could decide the trophy.
Saturday 5:30pm – Over 45s Division 1: Helensburgh Thistle vs Coledale Waves
A heavyweight clash. Both sides finished on 28 points, well clear of the pack, and their semi-final was a thriller. Coledale struck first through Danielle Vicelli, only for Thistle to fight back with Klete Loveday’s late winner, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Experience, composure, and decision-making under pressure will define this grand final. Every blade of grass will be contested, and the team that stays calm when the heat is on will take home the trophy.
Saturday 6:00pm – AA1 First Grade: Dandaloo FC vs UOW Spurs FC
The grand finale is the jewel in the crown. Both Dandaloo’s first and second grade sides are undefeated — can they make it a perfect season across the board? Their 1-0 semi-final win over Albion Park proved they can grind out results when it matters.
The Spurs arrive full of belief after a stirring preliminary win. Dandaloo lean on Kyle Senior and Bradley Acev, ex-IPL stars providing leadership and class, while the Spurs counter with Connor O’Neill, fresh off a brace, and stalwart Jonathan Van der Stok.
It’s the grand finale the season has been building toward: the league’s invincibles against the fearless challengers, a clash of skill, heart, and will.
