Blue Lake and Apollo Soccer Clubs are making final preparations for their Shadows / Belgiorno Cup Final, which will be played at Centrals on Sunday 27 September 2009.

Both teams will be looking to top off their season by winning the Cup. Blue Lake is likely to be at full strength, while Apollo may have to make a late change following a Disciplinary Committee hearing earlier this week.

The likely line up for Blue Lake is:

• Andy Armandi - Has been regarded as one of the goalkeepers going around for the last 4 or five years. A hand injury kept him out of the qualifying rounds but he is back in form at the right end of the season.
• Blair Branstone - Has been a revelation this year when swapped from attack to sweeper. Incredibly fast and marshalls the troops well at the back.
• Kyle Reiner - A much underrated player, but not by those at Blue Lake. Extremely tough defender who is rarely beaten and is very good in the air.
• Alex Domaschenz - Young gun who has developed into a class full back. Very quick and rarely wastes a ball when moving out of defence.
• Jacob Phillips - Only played a handful of A grade games but whenever he has played he has not put a foot out of place. Had a great game last week against Inter.
• Callum Ferguson - Just about the complete package. Great skills, fast and terrific shot on goals. Deadly from free kicks 20-25 metres out. Won the League medal this year.
• Michael Davison - 300 game veteran but still going strong. A very versatile player. Has been used as a full back at times and also as a midfielder. Allows the coach to move position around.
• Justin McRostie - Every midfield needs a work horse, this is Blue Lakes. Runs all day and is as tough as the come. Wears opponents down by his hard work and also has a good shot from distance.
• Bryce Strachan - Captain courageous. The hard man of the midfield works very hard for the team and leads by example. One of the best headers of the ball in the league.
• Tristan Guess - Has the pace to worry any defence. There are not too many who can catch him. Scores goals at the right time like in the semi last week with two goals .
• Mitchell Thomson - Plays up front and is often a lone man there. Works very hard to stifle the opposition defence and has created many goals by hi pressure.

Those likely to be on the bench include:

• Anthony Davison - Reserve keeper who covered in the qualifying rounds for the injured Armandi. Never put a foot wrong in that time. Can also be use as a field player if the need arises.
• Rob Hanssen - Has filled in the Agrade whenever needed and has shown that he can still match it when required. Very strong defender with the ability to turn defence into attack very quickly.
• Brian McCormick - A 500 game player who has been there and done that. In the squad to give stability whenever and wherever needed.
• Nick Reader - Another one of the up and coming juniors who has played all his soccer at Blue Lake. Very calm and productive whether in defence or attack.

Sam Ferguson (coach) and Dante Pepe (assistant coach) - Sam is a Blue Lake legend who has seen and done it all before. Knows what is needed to win a final and with Dante has moulded this team into a formidable unit over many years as most of this side has been brought up through the Junior ranks by this pair. A Scotsman and an Italian make an interesting pair but they seem to work very well with each other and their contrasting styles help to keep all options open.

President - Jo Lovett
Trainer - Zena Reiner

The likely line up for Apollo is:

• Colin Smith - Experienced goal keeper who has had a good season, probably playing in his last game.
• Matthew Ripper - Great left foot and pace. Another good young player
• Luke Odgers - Club captain, great leadership qualities
• George Panagopoulous - Plays with great passion for someone so young
• Dwayne Johnston - Hard tough as nails defender
• Marcus Wallis - Good young player with great skills
• Stewie Wallace - Able to take control of a game when switched on
• Paul Prentice - Veteran determined for success
• Brett Stephenson - Strong player. Has been a great asset since coming back from overseas
• Adam Hodge - Had a great season has plenty of class and skill
• Ash Stenner - Important player who brings vision and class to the team

Those likely to be on the bench include:

• Gavin Hancock - Important player who has had an interrupted season
• Tom Inglis - Has really stepped up this year. A very bright future
• Matthew Ferguson - Only 16 years of age. Good control and ball skills, has a bright future
• Ben Morris - Reserve goal keeper with a great attitude

Derek Ferguson (coach) and Darren Ripper (assistant coach) - Two very experienced campaigners who have been involved in many big games over the years. Knowledge of the game and what is required is of the highest standard.

President - Bill Stephenson
Trainer - Ken Plew

Contributed by Lew Ferguson