2026 Eastland EFNL Division Three Senior Men's Grand Final Preview

By Josh Ward.

It’s the ever-reliable Warrandyte looking to follow in Whitehorse and Scoresby’s footsteps taking on the fairytale story that is Bulleen Templestowe in this year’s Division 4 decider.

The Bloods qualified first after defeating Chirnside Park in the division’s second semi, with a strong second term enough for them to qualify for their first Grand Final in 11 years.

Gabriel Stumpf kicked four goals in that contest, increasing his season tally to 93, while Joshua Beasley also kicked three in one of his best performances of the year.

Defenders Nick Sharpe and Noah Habjan also had strong games alongside young gun Will Grybas, who has shown flashes of brilliance this year.

Bulleen Templestowe then followed suit in last weekend’s Preliminary Final, winning by 40 points to book their ticket to a first ever EFNL senior men’s Grand Final in only their second year in the competition.

Daniel Quinn had one of his best performances of the year in his return to the side while Will Rimmington kicked four to make it 62 for the season.

Ex-Templestowe tall Rimmington is set to play a crucial role this weekend alongside the Sticca’s, Jake and Josh, who return to the big stage for the first time since playing in Balwyn’s 2024 Premier Division flag.

Bulleen Templestowe will be looking to overcome a mini hoodoo against the Bloods having lost their last three encounters against them dating back to mid-2024.

A premiership for them would be their first since 2012 back when they were in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

On the other hand, the Bloods are seeking their first premiership since 2015. It would also mean they’d return to Division 3 after two years at the Division 4 level, like Whitehorse and Scoresby before them.

This weekend’s Division 4 decider is shaping up to be a cracker as both the Bloods and Bullants look to make history for their own clubs and set themselves on their upward trajectory.

2026 Head-to-Head Results

Round Six - Warrandyte 15.7 (97) def. Bulleen Templestowe 13.11 (89) @ Warrandyte Reserve

It was an entertaining encounter in their first meeting of season 2026, with Warrandyte prevailing despite conceding a fast start.

Trailing 46-1 at quarter time, the Bloods worked their way back into the contest and were able to hold off the Bullants to improve their record to 4-1.

Gabriel Stumpf kicked five while Owen Pisani starred in the win for the Bloods. Jack Pekin was one of the better players for the Bullants whose leading goalkicker that day was Matt Jessup with four

Round 14 - Bulleen Templestowe 8.11 (59) lost to Warrandyte 8.16 (64) @ Ted Ajani Reserve

A finals-type contest in their most recent encounter, with the Bloods once again prevailing in a tight contest at the Taj.

While they were inaccurate, including Stumpf who still kicked three goals and six behinds, Jake Whitling’s squad still found a way to stick with their system and remain with just one loss to their name.

Stumpf was excellent offensively alongside Darcy Blakeley who kicked two, while Josh Sticca starred for the Bullants alongside Corey Shiels, who also kicked two goals.