Eastland 2025 Premier Division Grand Final Preview

2025 PREMIER DIVISION GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

By Ryan Long.

The Balwyn juggernaut has its sights set on back-to-back flags as they meet Blackburn, who are chasing their first premiership in the top division.

The stage is set for another Grand Final classic at Bayswater Oval.

Twelve months ago, Brenton Sanderson and Charlie Haley held the 2024 premiership cup up after a two-point nail-biting win over East Ringwood. Since then, their list has only gotten stronger with another big off-season on the recruitment front.

Steven Slimming, Lachlan Young, Sam Durdin, Jarrod Lienert, and Ben Silvagni have all been massive inclusions to the Balwyn list in 2025.

It took the Tigers a couple of weeks to get moving, starting the year off 0-1 after two big games against Blackburn and Rowville. By the second half of the season, they had cemented themselves inside the top three.

Saving some of their best footy for the finals, Balwyn’s pathway to Grand Final Day saw the Tigers win their Qualifying Final by 11 points over East Ringwood and their second semi-final by 47 points against Blackburn.

Their Grand Final opposition, Blackburn, has taken a huge leap forward in 2025 in Anthony Fagan’s second year as senior coach.

Missing the finals last season, Blackburn emerged as a true contender for the flag, winning their first five games of the season, including their victory over the reigning premiers on Good Friday.

After missing the first six games of the year, Toby Wooller has had an outstanding year, 61 goals from 14 games. The former Brisbane Lion even managed to boot a bag of 12 this year in Blackburn’s Round 16 clash with Mitcham.

The club finished on top of the ladder, three games clear of second-placed East Ringwood.

They were outmatched by the Tigers in the second semi-final in what was a dominant Balwyn display. The Tigers kicked five goals to two in the opening quarter, nine more inside 50’s, and seven more clearances.

However, they bounced back in a big way in the Preliminary Final against Rowville. Blackburn 50-point winners at Holm Park Reserve, Toby Wooller booting six and Daniel Wood kicking four.

They’ll be looking to keep the trend going of the side second to qualify for the Grand Final, going on to win the flag.

All four of the Senior Men’s Grand Finals have been decided by eight points or less. If Premier Division can deliver in the same way, we’re sure to be entertained!

 2025 HEAD TO HEAD STATS

Round One – Blackburn 12.9 81 def. Balwyn 8.14 62 @ Morton Park

Round 10 – Balwyn 9.14 68 def. Blackburn 6.21 57 @ Balwyn Park

Second Semi Final – Blackburn 6.8 44 lost to Balwyn 13.13 91 @ Holm Park Reserve 

Premier Data Player Watch

Thanks to Premier Data, all Premier Division, Division One and Division Two Senior Men’s games are statistically recorded.

Ahead of the big decider, take a look at some of the key players from Balwyn and Blackburn that have recorded strong statistical seasons.

Bowen Smith (Balwyn)

2025 Averages

Ranking Points: 126.1

Disposals: 25.4

Contested Possessions: 14.6

Clearances: 8.4

Tackles: 7.4

Last Year’s Cliff Tomkins medallist has had another outstanding season for the Tigers. Across 20 games, Smith has been the most consistent midfielder in the competition. Averaging 25 disposals per game, the Tiger star has had 30 or more disposals in six games.

Alexander Urban (Balwyn)

2025 Averages

Ranking Points: 105.0

Disposals: 24.7

Contested Possessions: 15

Clearances: 8.2

Tackles: 5.2

Another big season from Alex Urban, averaging just under 25 disposals per game. Only two times this season has Urban had less than 20 disposals in a game. Underrated and a fair chance for the Best on Ground medal if the Tigers can get on top this Saturday in the midfield.

Lachlan Young (Balwyn)

2025 Averages

Ranking Points: 103.8

Disposals: 21.4

Intercept Possessions: 6.4

Marks: 4.8

A key cog to this impressive Balwyn outfit. Arguably his best game of the season came against Blackburn in Round Ten, 30 disposal game, going at 93% disposal efficiency, nine intercept possessions and 17 rebound 50’s.

Toby Wooller (Blackburn)

2025 Averages

Ranking Points: 105.6

Disposals: 15.1

Marks: 7.3

Contested Marks: 3.3

Goals: 4.3

An extraordinary season for Toby Wooller after missing the first six games. Had arguably the game of the season in Round 16 against Mitcham, 12 goals, 29 disposals, 13 contested marks and 249 Ranking Points.

Patrick Lawlor (Blackburn)

2025 Averages

Ranking Points: 101.1

Disposals: 22.4

Marks: 5.8

Score Involvements: 7.2

Another strong year from Patrick Lawlor. Has been the match winner on multiple occasions this year. His two quietest games, however, happen to have been against Balwyn in Round One and the second semi.

Was massive in Blackburn’s Preliminary Final win over Rowville, 28 and two goals.

Ryley Stoddart (Blackburn)

2025 Averages

Ranking Points: 99.4

Disposals: 19.6

Clearances: 5.3

Score Involvements: 7

Full time at Blackburn this season, Stoddart has had a brilliant season, playing all 20 games. Huge second half of the year saw Stoddart have 100 Ranking Points or more in eight consecutive weeks. 24 goals for the season, looks primed for the big stage.

Media Team Tips

Ben Warren-Smith – Blackburn by 10 points.

Blake Tennant – Balwyn by 15 points.

Chris Kourtis – Blackburn by 3 points.

Matt Lee – Balwyn by 10 points.

Ray Baird – Balwyn by 10 points.

Ryan Long – Balwyn by 16 points.

Wayne Brasher – Blackburn by 5 points.