Welcome to Ben Kavanagh Reserve here in Mordialloc for the 2025 SFNL Bendigo Bank division three senior grand final to be played out between minor premier St Kilda City and the Hampton Hammers.
Many local footy pundits and just fans of the SFNL in general probably didn’t expect this match up here today but what a treat we will be set for as these two teams battle it out for premiership glory.
We will start with a look at the Saints and their journey to the big stage.
After a disappointing 2024 season which resulted in the Saints being relegated down to division three they have turned things around immediately after a strong showing during the home and away season with a record of 15 wins and 3 losses, four games clear at the end of the season behind nearest rivals Carrum Patterson Lakes & Berwick Springs.
Captained by Paul Pekaj he’s led this Saints team from the front superbly this season while the likes of Pearce Hutchinson helping him almost every week while Jack Rolfe & Keenan Inal have been a good duo up forward ensuring the score board ticks over.
Heading into the finals series they only needed to win one game to get to where they are now and that was against CPL in the second semi final with a victory by 49 points.
Thanks to the efforts of Foss, Harris-Knipe & league best & fairest winner Jordie Gray on the day it ensured they will be refreshed and charged to the max for their opponent today.
Speaking of their opponent let’s take a look now at how the Hammers have made their second consecutive senior grand final.
After a bold 2024 season which saw them finish on top with a commanding record and ultimately winning the senior grand final. It was still expected that the Hammers would hold their own in division three but after round seven there were maybe some concerns over a finals run when their record was 2-5.
But after the half way mark of the year the Hammers rattled home with seven wins including important victories over the likes of South Mornington, Black Rock & Heatherton who were all at the time either pushing up the ladder themselves or looking to spoil the party.
The Hammers ultimately finished fifth on the ladder with a record of 10 wins and 8 losses.
It may seem harsh to say but you don’t usually expect a side who finished fifth to jump all the hurdles and confront the top of the table leading team for a premiership cup. But this finals series the Hammers have proved a lot of the pundits wrong with massive wins over Black Rock, Berwick Springs even surviving a huge final quarter burst and the most impressive one yet which was the two point victory over CPL last weekend booking their spot to the grand final.
There is an element of danger the Saints need to be watchful of and that is the prowess of goal kickers for the Hammers in Madden Griffin, Levi Robinson & Daniel Jones they have kicked 109 between them this season and if they get on the back of a few look out.
While Archer Grant and brothers Leo & Henry Grenville will always be putting their best foot forward looking to charge the Hammers home.
The two sides have met twice already in 2025 with the Saints winning on both occasions by 16 & 21 points respectfully in rounds 2 & 11 but the stakes here as we know are much more higher than a typical home & away game.
So what will it be ? The Saints who have almost been perfect this year getting the best possible ending and sending coach Jason Hamilton out on the best possible high? Or does Shannon Grant who’s been there all before have some tricks up his sleeve to ensure the Hammers finish the day as back to back premiers?
