Oakleigh Cannon's Peter Zois and Green Gully Cavaliers Graham Hockless with the VPL Trophy at AAMI Park

Minor Premiers Green Gully Cavaliers face off against second place Oakleigh Cannons this Saturday to decide the 2011 Alanic Victorian Premier League (VPL) Premiership. Hosted by Victoria’s number one sports venue AAMI Park kick-off is at 4pm with the Pelada Womens Premier League (WPL) Grand Final kicking off at noon.

With both sides on equal competition points at the conclusion of the regular season (only goal difference seeing the Minor Premiership awarded to Green Gully) and with just a single goal separating the sides in their two previous meetings this year, the 2011 VPL Grand Final is sure to see this season’s biggest rivalry continue with a cracker of a match.

Green Gully had a slow start to the season but turned on the form when it really mattered, finishing the season strongly and claiming the Minor Premiership on the final day of competition. Currently on a hot streak of seven consecutive clean sheets they will be tough to break down and hungry for the Minor and Major Championship double.

Oakleigh Cannons on the other hand started the season on fire, and under the guidance of VPL Coach of the Year Arthur Papas continued their form all year and would consider themselves unlucky to have lost out in the Minor Premiership race. After a hiccup in the finals series which saw them earn their place in the Grand Final the long way, the boys will be feeling confident going into the biggest game of the season.

Oakleigh captain and goalkeeper Peter Zois knows how tough the Grand Final will be.

“Green Gully have been here before, and on big game days their whole team is a threat,” he said.

“Players such as Graham Hockless, Andy Vargas and Nikola Roganovic will be key for Green Gully. We definitely have our work cut out for us, but in saying that – so do they!”

The same sentiments were echoed by Green Gully midfielder Hockless.

“Once both teams get onto the pitch, form goes out the window. Ultimately the best side on the day will talk home the Championship,” said Hockless.

For the second year running the VPL Grand Final will be played at AAMI Park, giving both players and supporters the chance to experience the best sporting venue in the country. An opportunity Hockless can’t help but be excited for.

“Playing at AAMI Park is a great occasion with an awesome stadium and a really nice surface to play on. I’m looking forward to it as are all the boys,” he said.

As well as entry to both the VPL and WPL Grand Finals, your ticket will also get you into the Mirabella Cup next weekend for only $10! Australia’s largest cup competition will culminate in just over a week at AAMI Park, so don’t forget to hold onto your Grand Final ticket to be eligible for the discounted entry price.

The WPL Grand Final will see Minor Premiers Sandringham SC play off against Gold Medal winner Laura Spiranovic and her South Melbourne Womens FC.

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