2026 Eastland Division Three Senior Men's Grand Final Preview

Donvale is out to rewrite recent history when they take on a Basin side looking to make a return to Division 2 in this week’s Division 3 decider at Wally Tew Reserve.

The Vales qualified for an astonishing fifth consecutive Grand Final a fortnight ago with a two-goal triumph over The Basin.

Following that loss, the Bears regrouped and once again put Upper Ferntree Gully to the sword, recording a 32-point win and holding the Kings to just two goals for the contest.

That win came without Lachlan Kruger and Connor Edwards, with Nic Hallo and Mitch Tsirtsikos’ experience proving key in the win.

They’ll play crucial roles alongside Ethan Power and Mitch Brown who have compiled excellent finals series to date, particularly in their two wins against Upper Gully.

Power is set to go up against Billy McCormack who accumulated 64 hitouts, 14 disposals and 11 tackles in Donvale’s second semi final win.

Vales skipper James Rausa will also play a crucial role along with James Fisher, with both capable in midfield and up forward having kicked a combined 54 goals this year.

Daniel Michelangeli’s squad will be out to write the wrongs of the past two years where they’ve lost the past two deciders by a combined four points.

Victory this Saturday would mean a third premiership since returning from recess in 2015 as well as a return to the third tier of the EFNL senior men’s competition, a tier they haven’t competed in since 2018.

The Basin on the other hand will be looking to win its first premiership since winning the  Division 4 flag back in 2012 as well as a return to Division 2, which they last competed in 2024.

We’re all set for another epic Division 3 decider as the Vales look to overcome their Grand Final demons while the Bears look to regain the ultimate glory

2026 Head-to-Head Results

Round Six - Donvale 16.7 (103) def. The Basin 6.8 (44) @ Donvale Reserve

A tough outing at Donvale for the Bears, with key players such as Lachlan Kruger, Bailey Syswerda, Kobe Ferguson and Kyle Delaney against a close to full strength Donvale.

Following a hard-fought opening term, the Vales kicked 14 goals to the Bears six to secure a convincing triumph and reaffirm their place atop the Division 3 table.

Josh Djordevic and Harry Giles starred in offence, combining for four goals while Tom Swindell and Ethan Power showed flashes of brilliance for the Bears.

Round 15 - The Basin 12.6 (78) def. Donvale 11.10 (76) @ Batterham Reserve

With a near full strength side on the park and the Vales missing some troops, the Bears were able to flip their early season result with one of their best victories under Joel Perry.

Trailing by seven points at three quarter time, the Bears kicked four goals to two in the final term to sneak over the top of Donvale in front of a boisterous Batterham Reserve.

Nic Hallo kicked three goals and collected 33 disposals while Aiden Butler competed well against McCormack who still had 65 hitouts and was well supported by Kyle Wignell.

Second Semi Final - Donvale 7.11 (53) def. The Basin 6.5 (41) @ Wally Tew Reserve

A titanic struggle took place between the two in their most recent contest, with Donvale prevailing at Saturday’s venue.

Leading 29-0 at the first break, the Magpies kept the Bears at arms length for the remainder of the contest to secure another Grand Final berth.

Rausa and Fisher were influential in the win, combining for 47 disposals and 12 score involvements, while Mitch Tsirtsikos and Bailey Syswerda fought hard defensively, collecting 46 disposals and 18 rebound 50s.