Grand Final Preview - Youth Boys (2)

An intriguing Grand Final awaits on Sunday afternoon at Warringal Park as local rivals

Macleod and Banyule meet in the Youth Boys (2) Grand Final.

Macleod have been the dominant team in Youth Boys (2) post grading, with an undefeated

10-0 record in home and away matches, and a comprehensive 34 point win in their first final

against Banyule.

Banyule finished a clear second on the ladder and have been the second best team in the

competition this year. Aside from their Qualifying Final loss to Macleod, the teams also met

in Round 13 where Macleod recorded a 64 point win.

Both teams had the highest points for totals at the end of the home and away season,

outscoring the rest of the competition considerably. Their backlines also held up well with

both teams conceding the lowest scores in the competition too – with Banyule conceding just

43 points a game on average - the lowest in the division.

The ability of each team to restrict the opposition scoring will play a key factor in who wins this Grand Final.

Up forward for Macleod, Ben Vass has played 13 games for the year, kicking 37 goals in a

forward pocket. With explosive speed, agility and the ability to break the game open, he also

provides relentless forward pressure to keep the ball in Macleod’s attacking zone.\

At the opposite end of the ground, Andrew Forrest has been a key contributor as a small

defender for Macleod. He plays a key role in defence, locking down on a small or medium

opponent, then makes good decisions under pressure and uses the ball cleanly by hand and

foot to set up attacking play. Playing along side him, another key player for Macleod has

been Luke Daffey at Centre Half Back. His strength is his reading of the play, where he

organises the backline, intercepts confidently, and uses the ball efficiently to launch attacking

transitions. His ability to match up on opponents of any size makes him one of the most

versatile defenders in the division. With two games of senior football experience this season

at Marcellin (VAFA Premier C), Luke will be expected to play a key role in this year’s YJFL

Youth Boys (2) Grand Final.

Banyule’s greatest strength could well be in the midfield. They have arguably the best

ruckman in the division in Benjamin Maywald who is also co-captain of the team. His tap

work is of high quality and gives his midfield first use of the footy, while he also had a

presence around the ground. His ability to float forward and hit the scoreboard has seen him

consistently kicking goals this season. Banyule’s other co-captain Jack Laing is another

important player heading into Sunday’s Grand Final. The strongly built midfielder plays a

tough, in and under game and will be likely to accumulate plenty of possession through the

centre of the ground. Joining him through the middle, the likes of Jamie Quinn, Aidan

Anderson and Henry Young will also play a positive role for Banyule, as will Bailey Ormerod

on the wing.

In attack, Banyule will be hoping Beau Munro can hit the scoreboard as he’s done regularly

throughout the season.

While Macleod’s 2026 record will see them enter the match as the team to beat, Banyule

have enough quality across the ground to be able to reverse the result from a fortnight ago.

Players to watch – Macleod

#19 Andrew Forrest – Small defender who makes good decisions under pressure and uses

the ball cleanly by hand and foot to set up attacking play.

#3 Ben Vass – Averaging close to 3 goals a game this season as a small forward.

Dangerous attacking player with his speed, but equally as good with his defensive work rate.

#17 Luke Daffey - His strength is his reading of the play, where he organises the backline,

intercepts confidently, and uses the ball efficiently to launch attacking transitions.

Players to watch – Banyule

#17 Benjamin Maywald – One of the leading ruckmen in the YJFL Youth Boys competition.

Will give his team first use of the footy. Can float forward, be a dangerous marking target

and kick goals.

#22 Jack Laing - A tough, uncompromising in and under rover who has had an excellent

season. Sure to play an important role winning plenty of contested football through the

midfield.

#12 Harvey McGregor – Medium defender who can play tall or small and is an elite right foot

kick.

Match Details:

Youth Boys (2)

Macleod v Banyule

Venue: Warringal Park Heidelberg

Time: 3.15pm