Southern & Ettalong v Budgewoi
The two most consistent teams of the MPL season meet for one final dance this Saturday as Southern look to claim the crown of Premier League First Grade Premiers for the first time since 1997, while Budgewoi look to do the same and end a 55-year drought.
2025 has been an incredible year for Southern, who were unbeaten in pre-season and carried their hot form into the winter season, where they were top of the table for much of the year. However, their only loss during the season to Budgewoi saw them drop to second where the Lions finished the year.
When these two sides met in the Major Semi-Final it was a high-level showcase between our top two Men’s Premier League sides, with Southern edging out the League Champions 2-1 thanks to goals from Jack Ellwood and Jacob Lepre.
For a side that has consistently been one of the top MPL teams in recent memory, Southern always appeared to fall short on the big stage when it came to Finals football. But the 2025 Finals Series so far has seen a more mature and experienced Lions side who look to finish their best seasons ever by claiming the title of Premiers.
Glen Balneaves, Neil Ferguson, and Craig Ferguson are all players from that last Premiership-winning team who are still involved in the club to this day.
Although this club hasn’t reached the summit of MPL since 1997, head coach Matt Page has plenty of Grand Final experience as both player and coach, winning in 2005, 2010, and back-to-back Premierships as a player-coach with The Entrance a decade ago (2014-2015).
Matt Page reflected on the year as a whole ahead of their final match in 2025, voicing what impressed him so much about his squad. “It’s probably the resilience and versatility the squad has shown over the course of the year.”
“We’ve had our fair share of hurdles along the way, but the group has overcome these at every stage and maintained a high level of footy throughout the year. I can only credit the boys and their mental strength for getting us to where we are.”
“I’m really proud of the group for making it to the final day. The whole squad has worked extremely hard since January and deserves to be here.”
Despite having the chance to win his fifth First Grade Grand Final, Page voiced that a victory this weekend will mean so much more than that. “It’d be a proud moment personally for sure, but to be honest, if we are successful, I’ll take more satisfaction in watching others at the club have that winning feeling.”
“The club hasn’t won the comp for some time, so to play a part in bringing the Lions back to the top would be rewarding. We’ll be doing everything we can on Saturday to make that happen.”
“For us to be successful it will take a complete effort on Saturday, with us needing to have all parts of our game working well. We know the dangers the opposition possesses, but we are confident that if we play to our potential, we can be successful. Grand finals are often won in moments, so hopefully more of those moments go our way.”
Page also added, “The sides are pretty evenly matched and it should be a cracking finale to the season.”
2025 for Budgewoi saw them claim League Champions in Men’s Premier League for the first time since 2008, a long 17 years the club had to wait to reach the summit of the competition.
Club captain Ben Glachan is the only player to have been around in both squads and still playing, joined by coach Haydn Appo and Paul Nancarrow as the only other members still involved in the club from 2008.
2007 was the last time Budgewoi found themselves in the pinnacle match on the Central Coast, but fell short 1-0.
You have to go all the way back to 1972 to find when Budgewoi last won a Grand Final of this magnitude, a dry spell that head coach Appo will be hoping comes to an end after full time Saturday night.
Budgewoi have come a long way in recent years. Last season marked the club’s return to the top-flight competition after a 9-year hiatus.
12 of the 16 players listed on the team sheet last weekend in their do-or-die match against Berkeley were part of their Division 1 promotion side in 2023.
Despite finishing in first place, Budgewoi lost their Major Semi-Final, forcing them to do things the hard way in beating last year’s Premiers Berkeley Vale to claim their spot in Saturday’s showdown, something Appo is extremely proud of.
“It was a huge result for the club. We knew it would be tough with several players unavailable, but the group showed incredible resilience and character to get the job done. It’s a credit to everyone involved and a fantastic reward.”
For Budgewoi, injuries have come for this squad at the worst time of the season, losing key players Stuart Adams and Josh Swadling for the rest of the year, as well as Chris Lennon and Olly Appo in doubt after missing last week.
However, the attitude and devotion shown by the players is something Appo is extremely proud of. “What’s impressed me most is the consistency of effort. No matter the circumstances, injuries, player availability, or tough opponents, this group has shown up week after week with the same commitment and desire.”
Appo also touched on what lifting the trophy would mean to him personally. “This moment is bigger than any individual.”
“It would be a reflection of the hard work, resilience, and belief of this entire club. To see the players and supporters celebrate together would be something very special.”
With so much on the line for both clubs this Saturday, you can expect another close battle that will come down to the wire.
Appo’s final words ahead of Saturday saw him mention what is required from his squad to be successful come full time. “Southern has quality all over the pitch. They are powerful off-set pieces and lethal in the air.”
“We will need to be at our best to nullify their strength, while sticking to our game plan. We need to improve on our last encounter.”
Grand Final Fixture –
