SWIFTS/GREAT Western and Aradale will be vying for the Grampians Cricket Association premiership title for season 2014/15 when day one of the three day grand final commences tomorrow at Central Park, Stawell.
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After finishing on top of the ladder the Combine had an easy run to the final by downing Buangor, however the final round of the home and away season could see them with some demons in their minds.
When Swifts/Great Western met Aradale at fortnight ago the team was dismal with the bat, making just 99 runs and with little to defend the Combine bowlers worked hard, but no to avail.
This time around they will welcome back bowling spearhead Jamie Bach, who returns to the line up following an overseas trip.
Bach was in career best form prior to his break with 12 wickets in his last two innings, so there was no debate whether or not he should be included in the grand final team. Jacob Seeary was the unfortunate player to be omitted.
There was still some debate as to whether Tom Eckel would also make his way back into the team or if young gun Jayden McCartney would hold his spot.
Eckel was given one last training run last night to prove himself, but a decision had not been made at the time The Ararat Advertiser went to press.
For Aradale, form is on its side after the team defeated a much younger and inexperienced Youth Club in last weekend's semi final.
Father-son opening duo Andrew and Riley Wood will look to get the Dalers off to a solid start, with both capable of setting up an innings off their own bat.
Andrew is an experienced hand and is averaging 31 this season, while prot g Riley is not far behind with an average of 24.
Aradale's line-up bats deep, with captain Tyler Cronin, Travis Horvatek and Brent Tate all half century scorers this year.
Tate has been the strongest of the Aradale bowling attack and will require plenty of support if Aradale is to restrict the run chase.
Matt Stasse will be one player that can offer the support needed having taken 10 wickets in his last four outings.
Swifts/Great Western has had consistent performers on a regular basis and that was proven on Monday night when Garry Ranton took out the bowling average award and Craig Marrow was awarded the top batting average prize.
Both Ranton and Marrow will be required to put some of their skills on display over the grand final long weekend.
There was plenty of debate as to where the final should be played, with Alexandra Oval boasting new facilities this year and both Ararat and Stawell having their grounds in great shape.
The discussion was eventually settled with Central Park the venue selected But will that be enough to give the Combine the edge?
To find Aradale's last piece of A grade silverware you have to go back through the history books to season 1996/97, while Swifts/Great Western will be eager to break its hoodoo after suffering three consecutive title defeats at the hands of Tatyoon.