GRAND FINAL WEEKEND: ONE WEEKEND, NINE TROPHIES, AND NOWHERE TO HIDE
The league season has done its job. The champions have been crowned, the points have been counted, and now it all comes down to Grand Final weekend.
Across the region, clubs aspire to win the Community League, the heartbeat of grassroots football in our region. For the 20 teams still standing, that aspiration has become reality. They now have the chance to play for the prestige that comes with being crowned Community League Grand Final winners.
Across ten matches at Ian McLennan Park, the best of Football South Coast’s Men’s Community League will battle it out for silverware. Some sides arrive as reigning league champions, some as underdogs, some with unfinished business, and at least a few with a very good reason to believe this is finally their year.
There are repeat match-ups, local rivalries, unbeaten seasons, golden boot contenders and enough former footballing pedigree across the weekend to make the Masters divisions particularly dangerous for anyone foolish enough to suggest they are “past it”.
Here’s our look at the ten Grand Final match-ups.
FRIDAY NIGHT
6:00pm, Over 45s Division 2
Fairy Meadow v Woonona, Field 2
Two sides that know each other extremely well meet for the Division 2 title, and there is very little separating them.
On the final day of the regular season, Fairy Meadow claimed the win to secure the league championship, while Woonona responded two weeks later by getting the chocolates in the Major Semi Final.
That result sets up an intriguing Grand Final, with both sides arriving knowing they have already shown they can get the better of the other when it matters.
The battle to watch will be at the sharp end, with Woonona’s Brian Southall going head-to-head with Fairy Meadow’s Jason Turner. Both have the ability to change a game, and whoever gets the better service, and perhaps a little more cooperation from the legs, could prove decisive.
The league champions against the Major Semi Final winners. One trophy and 90 minutes to decide who takes it home.
This one has all the ingredients of a classic.
6:00pm, Over 35s Division 3
Figtree v Bulli, Field 1
If the previous meeting between these two sides is anything to go by, spectators should probably arrive with a comfortable seat and plenty of time.
Figtree finished the regular season in top spot, with Bulli just behind them in second, but it was Bulli who produced the fireworks when these teams last met in the finals, a remarkable 5-4 contest.
For Figtree, the obvious danger is Robert Ogie. The goalscoring machine has already found the net three times in two finals appearances and will be looking to add to that tally on the biggest stage.
Bulli have their own problem to solve in the evergreen Dane Hamilton, who somehow managed to score four goals in 90 minutes the last time these sides met.
Four goals.
In one match.
At Over 35s.
At this point, defending may be considered an optional extra.
If the two sides can reproduce anything like their previous encounter, this could be one of the weekend’s highest-scoring affairs.
8:00pm, Over 45s Division 1
Helensburgh v Russell Vale, Field 2
The league title ultimately went to Coledale after a final-day victory over Helensburgh, but the reigning league champions haven’t been able to carry that form into the finals, suffering two defeats from two starts.
That leaves us with a Grand Final between second-placed Helensburgh and third-placed Russell Vale, with both sides now just 90 minutes away from taking the trophy home.
For Russell Vale, keep an eye on Neil Ryan. His ability to torment opposition defenders for an entire match is well established, and Helensburgh will have plenty of work to do to keep him quiet.
For the Burgh, Klete Loveday is one to watch. This will be his third consecutive Grand Final appearance, a remarkable achievement and one that brings plenty of experience when it matters most.
At this stage of the season, there are no league tables left to hide behind.
Just 90 minutes.
8:00pm, All Age Division 4
Thirroul v Russell Vale FC, Field 1
These two sides were a clear step above much of their Division 4 opposition throughout the season, with a remarkable 17 points separating second from third and both clubs already securing promotion for 2027.
But promotion can wait.
Before they move up the pyramid, there is one piece of unfinished business.
The Grand Final.
Leading the line for the two sides are a pair of evergreen club stalwarts, with Russell Vale’s Chris Harris facing off against Thirroul’s Garth Bowley. Both players made the move across from their respective Over 35s sides last season, proving that apparently nobody told them retirement was an option.
Russell Vale’s Jaiden Nethercott will provide the attacking threat, bringing his silky skills and glassy moves to the Cawley Park side. Standing in his way will be Thirroul talisman Jordan Mar, who is appearing in his second Grand Final in as many years. Mar knows the Ian McLennan Field 2 turf like the bottom of a schooner glass and will be looking to make life extremely uncomfortable for Nethercott.
Two promoted sides. One trophy.
And absolutely no reason for either to take the foot off the pedal.
SATURDAY
10:00am, Over 35s Division 4
Coniston v Gerringong, Field 2
This is one of the weekend’s most intriguing match-ups.
Coniston claimed the league championship after going undefeated all season. In 2nd and 3rd were Dandaloo and Woonona, who also finished the regular season unbeaten, only for both sides to fall in the semi-finals.
That opened the door for fourth-placed Gerringong, who have stormed through the finals to book their place in the big dance.
For much of the Coniston squad, there will be a strong sense of déjà vu. Same grade. Same time. Same pitch. The only difference is that they are hoping for the same result as their successful 2025 Grand Final campaign.
Silver Fox Alex Perger is one to watch for Coniston. A new addition since last season’s title-winning side, Perger has helped cement the backline in front of the formidable wall that is Leo Hughes in goals for the yellow and black.
For Gerringong, all eyes will be on Bradley Boardman, who returns from suspension after being sent off in the Minor Semi Final two weeks ago.
Behind him, Jordan Pearce will provide the defensive steel. A player seemingly prepared to put his body, feet and possibly even his world-record-earning teeth on the line for the cause.
Gerringong gaffer Matt Bragg also faces a difficult selection headache, with talent across the squad and one particularly awkward question: does he pick his Mad Dog big brother, or does he select the strongest possible XI?
Family loyalty has never felt so tactical.
For the Breakers, this is their first Grand Final.
For Coniston, it is an opportunity to go back-to-back.
10:30am, All Age Division 3
Thirroul v Port Pumas, Field 1
On paper, Thirroul come into this one as the side with everything to lose.
The league champions have been virtually unstoppable since earning promotion from Division 4 last season, finishing the campaign undefeated and dropping just four points all year.
That is the sort of record that makes a Grand Final rather exciting, and rather dangerous.
Because now they have to actually win it.
Luke Bunce has been finding the net for fun throughout the season and will be the obvious threat for Thirroul. The other question is whether gaffer Tim Gibson can talk his side all the way to victory from the technical area.
The Port Pumas, meanwhile, arrive in serious form.
Eight consecutive wins have carried the Pumas into the Grand Final, and they will have no interest in simply making up the numbers at Thirroul’s undefeated-season celebration.
Jordan Della Vedova found the decisive goal in the semi-final and will be one to watch again.
The last time these sides met, neither could find a winner in a 1-1 draw.
So, despite everything the league table says, this one is anyone’s.
12:30pm, Over 35s Division 2
Albion Park FC v Kiama Quarriers, Field 2
Albion Park FC arrive as league champions, having dropped just one game all season in their first campaign in Division 2.
There is also plenty of history in the squad, with familiar faces carrying the spirit of the old Albion Park City days into the current Albion Park FC shirt. The name may have changed, but the footballing DNA remains and heart of Albion Park City remains.
Regular goalkeeper Tom Ariculi will miss the Grand Final after choosing a Hawaiian holiday and some quality tanning time over preparations for the big game. That opens the door for younger brother Adrian, fresh from the FIFA World Cup, where he led the coverage for SBS.
From interviewing Mo Salah at the World Cup to lining up at Ian McLennan Park Field 2, Adrian’s career is clearly going from strength to strength. The prestige of FSC Community League football waits for no man and just like the 80,000 seat air conditioned AT+T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Ian McLennan Oval Number 2 will be packed to the rafters to watch this one.
Kiama Quarriers will be looking to spoil the Albion Park celebrations, with Adam Hinkley again capable of causing headaches for opposition defences. Chris Gardner adds another attacking dimension from the back, with the Kiama keeper more than happy to embrace the sweeper-keeper role.
Albion Park have the league title. Kiama have the chance to take the one that matters most on Saturday.
1:00pm, All Age Division 2
Balgownie v Fairy Meadow, Field 1
It doesn’t get much more local than this.
Australia’s oldest football club takes on Football South Coast’s youngest club, with Balgownie and Fairy Meadow meeting for the All Age Division 2 championship.
Balgownie finished the league season on top and claimed the league championship, while Fairy Meadow finished third and have fought their way into the Grand Final.
For Balgownie, keep an eye on Luke Behl Shanks.
For Fairy Meadow, Lazar Marjanovic has been finding goals with impressive regularity and will be looking to continue that form when it matters most.
History meets youth.
League champions meet the challenger.
THE HEADLINE ACTS
3:00pm, Over 35s Division 1
Coledale v Northern, Field 2
For the second consecutive year, Coledale and Northern meet in the Over 35s Division 1 Grand Final.
And if last year is anything to go by, this one is going to be special.
In 2025, Coledale won the league championship before Northern turned the tables when it mattered most, claiming Grand Final glory.
Twelve months later, Coledale have once again finished as league champions.
The difference?
They have not forgotten what happened last year.
Northern will arrive as the reigning Grand Final champions, while Coledale will be desperate to finish the job and go one better in the big dance.
These two groups have been together for years, and this match showcases some of the finest Masters football in the state, featuring players with experience across former IPL, NPL, NSL and A-League environments.
For Coledale, the danger man is Marcelo Molina.
Last year’s Golden Boot winner has started these finals in frightening form, scoring a hat-trick in just four minutes against Russell Vale last week.
Yes.
Four minutes.
Northern’s response will likely be led by Nick Beeton, who will operate at the base of the Northern defence and face the unenviable task of trying to keep Molina quiet.
This is more than a Grand Final.
It is a rematch.
It is unfinished business.
And it might be one of the best Masters Grand Final contests in recent Football South Coast history.
3:30pm, All Age Division 1
UOW FC v United Wolves AFC, Field 1
And then we arrive at the main event.
UOW FC and United Wolves AFC were the two standout sides throughout the All Age Division 1 season, with just one point separating them on the final league table.
UOW FC will go on to represent Football South Coast in the Football NSW Champion of Champions competition from next week.
But first, there is a much more immediate piece of business.
The Grand Final.
United Wolves will be looking to spoil the party for their Koolabong neighbours, setting up a fascinating battle between two sides that know each other extremely well.
The tactical battle on the touchline will be just as interesting, with United Wolves gaffer Emilio Donebus going head-to-head with UOW mastermind Jono Van Der Stok.
UOW got the chocolates in the Major Semi Final two weeks ago, with Connor Pontarolo scoring a brace to send his side into the Grand Final.
But if United Wolves are to lift the trophy, much will depend on club stalwart Charlie Taylor, who will be tasked with defending the Wolves goal as though his life depends on it.
Two of the competition’s best sides.
One point between them across the entire regular season.
A Major Semi Final already decided.
And now, one final 90 minutes to settle the argument.
Saturday, 3:30pm. Ian McLennan Park. All Age Division 1 Grand Final.
Be there.
Because after an entire season, there is nowhere left to hide.
