GNFL grand final preview: Chapman Valley fight to end 32-year drought with a red hot Brigades in their way

The Royals have one hand on the crown, but a young Hawks side hopes to keep the drought going when the titans of the Great Northern Football League, Chapman Valley and Brigades, battle for glory in the 2024 grand final.

Chapman Valley have put together their best season in three decades, looking to end a 32-year drought.

Brigades are chasing redemption on their finals’ shortcomings in recent years, after going out in straight sets last year and losing the grand final in 2022.

The biggest move in the offseason was brothers Jayden and Kim Schofield leaving Brigades — where they were reigning and runner-up club best and fairest — to go to Chapman Valley.

Jayden Schofield took over as player-coach and brought instant success with him with a 10-0 start, installing a winning culture to a Royals side that had struggled in recent years.

The first-year coach said the side was feeling confident.

“We believe that we’re the best team, we’ve been the best team all year . . . we’re going to have everybody to pick from, so we’re going to have a real healthy list,” Schofield said.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game but we’re 100 per cent confident and 100 per cent expect to show our best on Saturday.”

He said the game was much bigger than the players running out on the field, with the Royal army crying out for the drought to end.

“It’s not anything to do with the 22 running out on Saturday, it’s all for the heartache of the Valley, through the last 32 years, (the supporters) have been starved of success,” he said.

“For us it’s about recognising that and doing it for not only ourselves, but doing it for everyone that’s supported the Valley over the last 32 years.”

Chapman Valley captain Ringo McKenna said they were expecting a big crowd of the Valley faithful.

“Club’s super supportive win, lose or draw, so everyone’s behind us,” he said.

“I know there’s a fair few people coming up from Perth — ex-players, ex-supporters, so sure to be a massive crowd and hopefully bring it home.”

While on the other side, Brigades had to deal with an exodus of some of their best players, with not just the Schofields leaving but also the departure of Dale Williamson to Dongara and Dylan Ralph to Northampton.

Picking up the pieces, the Hawks turned to youth which proved to be the difference. Their young stars have stepped up all season and gained momentum at the tail end.

It’s hard to believe with how hot their form has been in the past two weeks, but Brigades nearly missed out on the top four in the final round.

Coach Cory Foot said they have taken this season one quarter at a time.

“We didn’t know where the ceiling was, but looking back we had the first couple of wins in the start of the year which really set us up for the season,” Foot said.

“We knew out best is good enough; it was just if we could be consistent.”

With everything on the line, Foot believes both teams have a similar approach, but the Hawks have momentum.

“You look at the line-ups, and we’re very similar . . . there’s not a lot of weaknesses in the Chapman Valley line-up at all, or in their game plan,” he said.

“We’ve got in-form forwards, so do they, the two rucks will be a great battle, midfield very similar, back line are very tight and respectful towards their forwards as well.”

The focus on the Hawks’ youth was spearheaded by the leadership group.

Team captains Mick Quick and Jordan O’Brien said it had been great to run out alongside the young up-and-comers.

“It’s good to see the young fellas stepping up and bringing a lot of youth and excitement into the team,” O’Brien said.

“To see some of the boys come through and some of the fellas I actually coached at junior level, so we’re now playing with them and hopefully win a flag with them, would be a dream come true,” Quick said.

While the history is there between the two sides, both coaches said there was no bad blood remaining.

“We’re still mates with Jayden and Kim, all boys are, I don’t think there’s any extra motivation to try and beat them,” Foot said.

Jayden Schofield added: “It seems like a bit of fate, like it was always going to happen, but for me and Kimmy it’s just another game.”

The league grand final is on Saturday at WA Country Builders Stadium with bounce down at 3.30pm.

LIKELY CHAPMAN VALLEY LINEUP

1 Brett Robinson

2 Lee Hutchins

3 Kim Schofield (VC)

4 Jay O’Brien (VC)

5 Kane Simpson

6 Beau Simpson

7 Nicholas Mozley

8 Kobe Simpson

9 Jaye Colegate

10 Mitchell Thompson

11 Ewan Whitley

12 Oakley Criddle

13 Jayden Schofield

14 Byron Hoult

15 Dylan Williamson

16 Jaidan Thompson

17 Gerard McKenna (C)

18 Paul Sorensen (Deputy VC)

19 Tom Walker

20 Reece Moody

23 Daniel Borgogno

24 James Mavrick

30 Tyrone Papertalk Jr

LIKELY BRIGADES LINEUP

2 Michael Quick (C)

3 Izac Ronan (VC)

4 Lucas Ronan

5 Henry Perham

6 Harrison King

7 Kristerfer Ryder

8 Nathan Svenson

9 Kaiden Dann

10 Riaz Mohammad

11 Jordan O’Brien (C)

12 Klay Sipila (DVC)

14 Jack Deschamp

15 Sam Millett

16 Jamie Ryder

17 Rhama Evans

18 Reid Foot

19 Ben Bockman

20 Jesse Casselton

21 Joel Pattrick

27 Hayden Johnson (VC)

32 Hassan Ahmat-Watkins

33 Fletcher Klasztorny

CHAPMAN VALLEY GNFL FLAGS

1972, 1973, 1974, 1992

BRIGADES GNFL FLAGS

1962, 1971, 1986, 1988, 2015, 2018, 2021

KEY PLAYERS FOR CHAPMAN VALLEY

Ringo McKenna

A vital part of Chapman Valley’s midfield, he was sorely missed during the Royals’ slump late in the home-and-away season. The captain can take over in the engine room and slot a goal or two when needed and will be vital to Valley’s success.

Kim Schofield

One of the best players in the competition and a cornerstone piece of the Valley’s midfield. Along with McKenna, will be crucial in setting the pace of play and helping the Royals find success early.

Tyrone Papertalk Jr

Kicked the equal most goals this season and can take hold of a game off his own boot. Slotted five in the qualifier over Northampton and if Chapman Valley can get the ball in his hands, it’s easy to see Papertalk kicking a bag in the decider.

KEY PLAYERS FOR BRIGADES

Hassan Ahmat-Watkins

When he is on, he is on. Ahmat-Watkins was important for Brigades early in the season when his form was hot, and has returned to that form in recent weeks. Provides a big body for the Hawks’ runners to look out for up forward and is accurate when given a chance.

Jack Deschamp

One of the most in-form players in the last few weeks. Provided solid delivery off his boot against the Rams and can be disruptive.

Hayden Johnson

The JJ Clune medallist is arguably the most important player for Brigades. He provides service around stoppages to give their young players a chance to take-off. The match-up against Daniel Borgogno will be an exciting one to watch.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

R2 Chapman Valley 6.15 (51) def Brigades 6.4 (40)

R7 Chapman Valley 1.9 (15) def Brigades 1.4 (10)

R14 Draw 9.9 (63) to 9.9 (63)

CHAPMAN VALLEY SEASON RECORD

1st, 11-2-1, 223.92 per cent

Last Five Games: WWLLD

Leading Goalkicker: Tyrone Papertalk Jr (44 goals)

BRIGADES SEASON RECORD

4th, 8-5-1, 165.99 per cent

Past Five Games: WWWWD

Leading Goalkicker: Hassan Ahmat-Watkins (35 goals)