The Lions’ Nathan Fancis kicks the ball forward.
Gibson has its first chance since 2018-19 to win back-to-back grand finals, but they must overcome a strong Bulldogs combination who had the Tigers’ measure in the qualifying final by 25 points.
The Bulldogs and Tigers have met in three of the last four grand finals, Esperance winning by four points in 2021 as Gibson were too powerful in 2023 to the tune of 57 points.
Esperance will appear in it’s thirteenth straight grand final chasing a 29th premiership for the club while Gibson, if successful will claim its 19th League premiership.
The sides have different methods of scoring, the Bulldogs generally rely on fast starts to put a total on the board as the Tigers are renowned for finishing matches strongly.
Last weekend Gibson kicked six goals to nil in the final quarter of the preliminary final as they defeated the Lions by 55 points.
In the A-Reserves, the result appears little clearer cut as Gibson look to preserve their unbeaten status for season 2024, facing up against Esperance.
Ports and Gibson will renew their rivalry in the Women’s grand final after the teams could not be separated after full time in the qualifying final, the Bluebirds scoring a point in extra time to win.
and Ryan Quinlivan.
