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From the vfl.com.au website:

Read about every player who will take the field in the 2023 Smithy's VFL Grand Final at IKON Park on Sunday.

Gold Coast Suns and Werribee will meet in the 2023 Smithy's VFL Grand Final at IKON Park on Sunday, September 24.

Sunday, September 24
2023 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final
Gold Coast Suns (1st) vs. Werribee (2nd)
IKON Park
3:10pm AEST

Broadcast: The 2023 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final will be broadcast live and free on the Seven Network via Channel 7 in Victoria and 7plus nationally. The match will also be streamed live and free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.

Ticketing: For the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final admission prices will be adults $20, concession/pensioners $15 and children under 15 free. Tickets can be pre-purchased at www.intix.com.au/org/vfl from midday on Monday, September 18. Spectators purchasing at the gate are advised the payment method is EFTPOS only.

GOLD COAST SUNS

1.Mabior Chol
26 years old, 200cm, 96kg
Career matches: 82 (4 NEAFL, 78 VFL). Career goals: 98 (1 NEAFL, 97 VFL)
2023 matches: 15. 2023 scores: 36.24
A key forward who can pinch hit in the ruck, Chol has found himself in the VFL for most of this year despite kicking 44 AFL goals in 2022. He dominated the preliminary final with 5.4 and has booted 36.24 for the season from 12.6 disposals and 5.1 marks.

5.Alex Davies
21, 191cm, 86kg
Career matches: 33 (7 NEAFL, 26 VFL). Career goals: 7 (1 NEAFL, 6 VFL)
2023 matches: 13. 2023 scores: 4.4
Talented Academy graduate from Cairns who is still finding his way towards the top level, having played nine AFL games this year for a total of 25. The inside midfielder is averaging 22.5 disposals (13.2 contested), 6.2 tackles and 6.5 clearances.

6.Alex Sexton
29, 186cm, 82kg
Career matches: 59 (28 NEAFL, 31 VFL). Career goals: 96 (24 NEAFL, 72 VFL)
2023 matches: 14. 2023 scores: 36.18
Experienced forward of 166 AFL matches who has been a key part of the strongest attack in the VFL with 36.18 from 14.6 disposals and 4.9 marks. His leadership will be crucial when the whips are cracking against a well-rounded Werribee backline.

12.Sam Day
31, 197cm, 99kg
Career matches: 45 (16 NEAFL, 29 VFL). Career goals: 94 (26 NEAFL, 68 VFL)
2023 matches: 16. 2023 scores: 35.14
Foundation Sun who broke through for his 150th AFL match late in the season after a horror injury run for the past three years. Day has been a vital member of a five-pronged VFL attack with 35.14 from 11.5 disposals and 6.2 marks and will be looking to impress new coach Damien Hardwick as he comes out of contract this year.

20.Jeremy Sharp
22, 189cm, 81kg
Career matches: 35. Career goals: 25
2023 matches: 18. 2023 scores: 11.13
An AFL Rising Star nominee in 2021, Sharp has played 23 games as the highest level. Playing as a wingman or rebounding defender, he has averaged 21.7 disposals and 8.4 marks and provided great drive into attack to help set up their many triple-figure scores this season.

26.Connor Blakely
27, 189cm, 88kg
Career matches: 17. Career goals: 5
2023 matches: 17. 2023 scores: 5.4
Crossed to the Suns this season after 78 AFL games for Fremantle but hasn’t been able to break into the top team and has announced his retirement after Sunday’s game. The tough midfielder couldn’t have done much more to push his case, averaging 22.9 disposals (9.9 contested), 4.4 marks and 5.4 clearances at VFL level.

29.Chris Burgess
27, 191cm, 94kg
Career matches: 51 (6 NEAFL, 45 VFL). Career goals: 122 (1 NEAFL, 121 VFL)
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 58.22.
Back-to-back Frosty Miller Medals, cracking the 50-goal mark in both seasons, the mobile key forward who pitches in as an undersized second ruckman has been a revelation at State league level since being picked up as a concession selection from West Adelaide in 2018. He is contracted until 2024 but is sure to have suitors as he aims to add to his 36 AFL games.

32.Bodhi Uwland
20, 185cm, 84kg
Career matches: 19. Career goals: 3
2023 matches: 13. 2023 scores: 2.1
The Academy’s 2021 player of the year is in his first year on the AFL rookie list after playing a handful of VFL matches last season and broke through for three games. An intercepting defender, he has averaged 17.3 disposals, 6.2 marks and 3.8 rebounds this year and took some important grabs in the preliminary final last week.

33.Charlie Constable
24, 192cm, 86kg
Career matches: 70. Career goals: 17
2023 matches: 18. 2023 scores: 3.2
A ball magnet at VFL level, it is hard to believe he hasn’t played more than 16 AFL matches in six seasons at Geelong and Gold Coast, especially given he picked up 45 disposals across two games this season. Only six times in 17 completed VFL matches did he rack up less than 30 touches on his way to an average of 30.7, plus 6.7 marks and 4.7 rebounds.

36.Elijah Hollands
21, 182cm, 86kg
Career matches: 34. Career goals: 16
2023 matches: 14. 2023 scores: 7.10
The No.7 pick in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft despite being on the comeback trail from an ACL injury, Hollands has played 14 AFL matches and 34 in the VFL. The classy midfielder is contracted until the end of the next year and would love a big game to impress Hardwick. He has averaged 20.3 disposals this season.

37.Oskar Faulkhead
20, 182cm, 76kg
Career matches: 33. Career goals: 20
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 14.9
Plucked from Geelong’s VFL team after just two games in last year’s Mid-Season Draft, Faulkhead is developing his craft on the wing, where he has averaged 16.8 disposals and 4.3 marks. Covers a lot of ground and is capable of bobbing up to kick a crucial goal just when it is needed.

38.Lloyd Johnston
19, 183cm, 80kg
Career matches: 20. Career goals: 0
2023 matches: 18. 2023 scores: 0.1
A member of the NT Thunder Academy which is zoned to the Suns, the defender did enough in a couple of VFL games last year to earn a Category B Rookie position. He has come along impressively, averaging 13.6 disposals and 4.3 marks and cracking it for two AFL appearances as well. One to watch.

40.Joel Jeffrey
21, 192cm, 82kg
Career matches: 23 (3 NEAFL, 20 VFL). Career goals: 39 (6 NEAFL, 33 VFL)
2023 matches: 7. 2023 scores: 5.1
The mercurial forward from the NT Thunder Academy has been playing in defence due to the firepower at the other end. What a luxury to have someone who kicked 10 goals in a game last year in the backline. His elite speed and clean ball use is a feature, averaging 16.6 disposals at 81.9% efficiency and 4.9 marks.

42.Jake Stein
29, 193cm, 95kg
Career matches: 79 (46 NEAFL, 33 VFL). Career goals: 4 (1 NEAFL, 3 VFL)
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 0.0
Recruited from GWS this year to add experience to the backline, Stein has made a surprise recovery from what was reported as a four-week knee injury from the qualifying final. The 2011 world junior octathlon champion and 2014 Australian decathlon champion has averaged 11.8 possessions and 5.3 marks.

43.Brodie McLaughlin
25, 193cm, 87kg
Career matches: 43. Career goals: 90
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 52.26
Beating Southport gun Boyd Woodcock to the last spot on the Suns’ list, McLaughlin has justified the faith with a remarkable season. While he surprisingly didn’t crack an AFL debut, he shared the Frosty Miller Medal with Burgess after booting 51 goals despite often roaming up the ground. Averaged 15.5 disposals and 6.7 marks.

45.Sandy Brock
20, 198cm, 86kg
Career matches: 40. Career goals: 2
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 2.2
The nephew of Australian sporting royalty in the late Peter Brock, Sandy is a developing tall defender from the NT Academy who has shown himself to be resilient in only missing one game in two years. He has averaged 11.5 disposals and 4.3 marks this season and even snuck forward to kick a couple of goals.

46.Caleb Graham
23, 195cm, 96kg
Career matches: 55 (29 NEAFL, 26 VFL). Career goals: 5 (4 NEAFL, 1 VFL)
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 0.0
Graham hasn’t broken through for an AFL game this year after 37 in previous seasons that included filling in as a ruckman, but has become a crucial part of the VFL backline, making the Team of the Year. He is likely to get Hudson Garoni, the leading non-Suns goalkicker this season. He has averaged 8.4 marks.

47.Hewago Oea
21, 172cm, 70kg
Career matches: 49 (13 NEAFL, 36 VFL). Career goals: 42 (6 NEAFL, 36 VFL)
2023 matches: 13. 2023 scores: 9.8
The Papuan trailblazer knows how to produce on the big stage, having been best afield in the International Cup Grand Final against New Zealand in 2017 as a 16-year-old. A wonderful story for footy, “Ace” has played 13 AFL matches and averaged 14.5 disposals. Keep an eye out for his pace as he buzzes at the feet of the talls.

49.Ned Moyle
21, 205cm, 96kg
Career matches: 45. Career goals: 13
2023 matches: 18. 2023 scores: 7.5
One of the most dominant ruckmen in the VFL, Moyle just missed out on his second Team of the Year selection this week after averaging 15.1 disposals, 3.5 marks, 36.6 hitouts and 5.1 clearances. Also earned two AFL games this year. He is where it all starts for the Suns and is likely to get first hands on the ball once again. Contracted until 2024, but clubs will ask the question.

50.Jy Farrar
26, 191cm, 77kg
Career matches: 21. Career goals: 2
2023 matches: 13. 2023 scores: 0.0
A running defender who has great speed for his height, Farrar hails from the strong footy nursery of Halls Creek. A mature-aged recruit in 2019, he has played 34 AFL matches including nine this year and has impressed in the VFL with 19.7 disposals, 5.3 marks and 4.2 rebounds.

54.Leonardo Lombard
16, 178cm, 76kg
Career matches: 2. Career goals: 0
2023 matches: 2. 2023 scores: 0.0
Only made his VFL debut as a 16-year-old in Round 22 and won his spot back for the preliminary final. The hard-running midfielder debuted for the championship-winning Allies and averaged 25 disposals and five inside-50s in five Talent League games for the Suns Academy. Will play in the Futures game at the MCG next week and is a likely early pick in next year’s draft.

56.Jared Eckersley
19, 192cm, 87kg
Career matches: 24. Career goals: 6
2023 matches: 13. 2023 scores: 3.3
The mainstay of the Academy players this year, Eckersley is in his second year in the VFL program, playing 13 matches in a team where there weren’t many spots available due to the health of the senior list. He has averaged 10.3 disposals and 3.5 marks in the midfield rotation.

61.Campbell Lake
19, 174cm, 74kg
Career matches: 7. Career goals: 3
2023 matches: 7. 2023 scores: 3.3
The helmeted youngster returned to the team in Round 22 against Carlton and put together his best game at this level with 16 disposals. Mixing his on-field time through the middle and in the forward line, his defensive pressure without the ball has been a feature of his game.

EMERGENCIES

51.Ben O’Brien, 18, 184cm, 77kg
Career matches: 4. Career goals: 1
2023 matches: 4. 2023 scores: 1.1

52.Cody Harrington, 18, 178cm, 75kg
Career matches: 9. Career goals: 4
2023 matches: 5. 2023 scores: 3.1

53.Josh Young, 19, 185cm, 85kg
Career matches: 1. Career goals: 0
2023 matches: 1. 2023 scores: 0.0

55.Taine Dawson, 18, 193cm, 85kg
Career matches: 1. Career goals: 1
2023 matches: 1. 2023 scores: 1.0

57.Nick Williams, 19, 189cm, 83kg
Career matches: 5. Career goals: 0
2023 matches: 5. 2023 scores: 0.0

58.Will Derrington, 18, 179cm, 70kg
Career matches: 5. Career goals: 2
2023 matches: 5. 2023 scores: 2.1

60.Marlin Corbett, 19, 188cm, 83kg
Career matches: 15. Career goals: 4
2023 matches: 5. 2023 scores: 2.1

62.Finn Hay, 18, 180cm, 80kg
Career matches: 3. Career goals: 1
2023 matches: 3. 2023 scores: 1.0

WERRIBEE

1.Hudson Garoni
23 years old, 195cm, 92kg
Career matches: 47. Career goals: 94
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 44.27
Finished third in the Frosty Miller Medal with a career-best 40 goals and has been the focal point of a well balanced forward line. Has the ability to kick big bags and his contest with Caleb Graham will go a long way to deciding the game. Averages 12.2 disposals and 5.5 marks per game.

3.Michael Sodomaco
32, 176cm, 76kg
Career matches: 134. Career goals: 41
2023 matches: 16. 2023 scores: 8.1
One of the modern-day VFL greats who is part of the group that has been working towards this day for the best part of a decade. Moved into a sweeping half-back role in recent years but hasn’t reduced how important he is to the team. Has averaged 18.5 disposals and 4.4 marks this season.

4.Tom Gribble
28, 183cm, 80kg
Career matches: 139. Career goals: 60
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 5.7
What more can you say? Dual Liston medallist who went within five votes of standing alone at the top of the leaderboard. A ball magnet who is getting better with age and provides wonderful leadership and composure around the footy. Has averaged 31 possessions, 5.4 marks, 6.4 clearances and 5.3 inside-50s this season. Champion.

5.Nick Coughlan (C)
27, 195cm, 88kg
Career matches: 98 (1 NEAFL, 97 VFL). Career goals: 22 (0 NEAFL, 22 VFL)
2023 matches: 17. 2023 scores: 2.3
Has taken over the captaincy this year and his experience and leadership from centre half-back has been as good as any in the competition. The way he reads the ball and combines with Nathan Cooper is an underrated part of why Werribee is unbeaten in five months. 19.9 disposals, 5.9 marks and 8.2 rebounds are elite numbers.

6.Shaun Mannagh
26, 180cm, 80kg
Career matches: 72. Career goals: 100
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 34.30
One of the most exciting players in the VFL, and now one of the best after finishing top five in the Liston Trophy and making the VFL Team of the Year. Kicking 34 goals from the wing shows just how valuable he is, and he has combined that with 25 disposals, 3.8 marks, 4.8 clearances, 5.8 tackles and 6.8 inside-50s.

7.Nick Hayes
29, 190cm, 84kg
Career matches: 80 (35 NEAFL, 45 VFL) plus 113 SANFL. Career goals: 56 (9 NEAFL, 47 VFL) plus 132 SANFL
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 21.12
The second most experienced State league player in the VFL after playing 35 NEAFL and 113 SANFL games before even arriving at Avalon Airport Oval. And he has brought all of that to the centre half-forward. Only 12.4 possessions, but 4.6 marks and 21 goals shows he gets the job done when it is really needed.

8.Jack Henderson
23, 177cm, 75kg
Career matches: 84. Career goals: 38
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 7.4
Flies under the radar behind the Tigers’ high-profile midfielders such as Gribble, Hanson and Brew but is no less important and no less talented. Averaging career-best numbers in disposals (23.8), marks (5.0), clearances (4.7) and tackles (6.3) and has got better every year since his SANFL stint during the 2020 Covid year.

9.Louis Pinnuck, 25, 188cm, 88kg
Career matches: 86. Career goals: 18
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 1.8
Turns 25 on Grand Final Day and would probably consider this the best present of his life if he is wearing a premiership medal by the end of the day. Another who doesn’t get the publicity of the bigger names but is a vital cog in the machine intercepting and rebounding from defence. 19.8 disposals, 7.7 marks and 4.3 rebounds shows his value.

11.Matt Hanson, 28, 187cm, 88kg
Career matches: 101. Career goals: 54
2023 matches: 7. 2023 scores: 5.3
Wonderful to see Hanson overcome an injury-plagued season to reach his 100th game in the qualifying final and now play in a Grand Final. Record quadruple best-and-fairest winner and another genuine superstar of the VFL. Averaged 25 disposals, 5.9 marks, 5.4 clearances, 4.1 tackles and 3.4 entries in his truncated season.

12.Wardell Lual
24, 190cm, 82kg
Career matches: 33. Career goals: 4
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 1.0
Enjoying a breakout year after never previously playing more than six games in a season. The South Australian’s defensive pressure is a feature of his game and when he gets it, he usually uses it well (10.8 disposals at 82% efficiency), plus 3.9 marks. Can’t be underestimated.

13.Keegan Gray
27, 184cm, 80kg
Career matches: 45. Career goals: 11
2023 matches: 8. 2023 scores: 5.8
Dropped for the preliminary final but has forced his way back in for the Big Dance. Made his name at half-back but has been regularly deployed in attack this year where his pressure has created many goals for his teammates. 11.9 disposals but more than half are contested.

15.Kye Declase
26, 195cm, 90kg
Career matches: 88. Career goals: 93
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 24.15
Declase and Mannagh are clearly the best wing tag-team in the VFL and both genuine matchwinners. A 195cm wingman is gold and Declase’s running power is hard to match. His 24 goals have been critical and he can also win the ball in the last line. 24.4 disposals, 6.7 marks, 5.1 inside-50s. Unlucky to miss the Team of the Year.

18.Nathan Cooper
26, 195cm, 95kg
Career matches: 86 (45 NEAFL, 41 VFL). Career goals: 10 (10 NEAFL, 0 VFL)
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 0.0
Cooper and Coughlan make up the best key defensive stopping duo in the VFL and what they do against the best forward line will go a long way to deciding who lifts that Cup at 6pm. The full-back doesn’t get a lot of the ball (8.6), but you can bet his man will have plenty of headaches.

21.Josh Porter
29, 195cm, 97kg
Career matches: 78. Career goals: 76
2023 matches: 14. 2023 scores: 13.9
A key forward who has filled the role of second ruckman to young tall Kobe Annand this season and has stood up with crucial contributions as the season approaches its climax. Has kicked at least one goal every game since Round 18, including two at crucial stages last week to shut down the Lions’ hopes of getting back into the game.

22.Bior Malual
27, 190cm, 71kg
Career matches: 65. Career goals: 32
2023 matches: 19. 2023 scores: 10.4
Another one who is improving with every game he plays. Malual is a rebounding defender but has been developing the forward aspect of his game as well, bringing him 10 goals for the season. His athleticism makes him a dangerous prospect wherever he plays. Averaging 18.1 disposals and 5.9 marks per game.

27.Jesse Clark, 22, 190cm, 87kg
Career matches: 30. Career goals: 0
2023 matches: 17. 2023 scores: 0.1
Defender who can play tall and small and could get the job on Burgess or McLaughlin due to his mobility. If he can keep a Frosty winner quiet it will go a long way to winning the game, but if his opponent gets off the chain, the Cup could disappear quickly. Averaging 11.2 disposals and 3.9 marks per game.

28.Noah Lever
21, 183cm, 77kg
Career matches: 27. Career goals: 11
2023 matches: 17. 2023 scores: 10.11
Dangerous small forward who crossed from Williamstown for this season and has done some nice things at important stages. Averages 13.5 disposals and 4.8 tackles while bobbing up to kick 10 goals and his forward pressure creates opportunities for Garoni, Hayes and Paea.

29.Dom Brew
26, 180cm, 84kg
Career matches: 89. Career goals: 22
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 5.7
The tackling machine. Does all the hard work at the coalface to allow his silky-skilled teammates to drive the ball into attack – and they love him for it. The No.1 tackler inthe VFL, laying 192 of them at 9.6 per game. But he’s no one-trick pony, also winning 25.5 disposals, 7.8 clearances and 4.9 inside-50s. He is the beating heart of this team.

30.Lucas Rocci
22, 177cm, 76kg
Career matches: 21. Career goals: 3
2023 matches: 9. 2023 scores: 2.2
The 2019 Morrish medallist only played one game in the first 15 rounds but has been a constant since winning his spot back. Doesn’t get a lot of it (7.8 disposals per game) but uses it well when he does and kicked an important goal against the Hawks in the qualifying final.

32.Sam Paea
21, 193cm, 93kg
Career matches: 25. Career goals: 35
2023 matches: 16. 2023 scores: 27.11
Young key forward who is developing nicely, booting 27 goals from 16 matches so far this year. Fearlessly throws himself into marking contests and if he doesn’t mark it he brings it to ground for the smalls like Mannagh and Lever. Averaging a career-best 10.3 disposals and 4.2 marks per game.

35.Sam Clohesy
20, 189cm, 77kg
Career matches: 27. Career goals: 5
2023 matches: 20. 2023 scores: 2.4
The Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medallist has improved virtually every week throughout the season and is now on AFL club radars as a mid-sized defender who reads the ball well and uses it just as impressively. Averaging 16.5 disposals and 5.6 marks and was best afield in the preliminary final with 26 touches and 12 grabs.

36.Kobe Annand
21, 200cm, 92kg
Career matches: 18. Career goals: 1
2023 matches: 18. 2023 scores: 1.0
Lion-hearted young ruckman who has done a sterling job as the No.1 big man in his first season at State league level in the absence of the injured Sam Conway. Averages 9.5 disposals and 22.2 hitouts, but the biggest feature of his game is his tackling. His second efforts are terrific for a big man and his targets stay caught. Huge contest against Moyle.

45.Connor Thar
22, 176cm, 74kg
Career matches: 9. Career goals: 15
2023 matches: 6. 2023 scores: 11.4
Broke back into the team for the preliminary final after not having played since Round 8 and immediately repaid the faith of the selectors with 12 disposals and three classy goals. Has kicked 11 in seven game and looms as an X-factor with his 11.5 disposals a game enough to do a lot of damage.

EMERGENCIES

2.Bailey Henderson, 23, 190cm, 86kg
Career matches: 35. Career goals: 11
2023 matches: 10. 2023 scores: 3.7

10.Jack Boyd, 22, 200cm, 94kg
Career matches: 40. Career goals: 44
2023 matches: 12. 2023 scores: 10.12

16.Harry Grintell, 20, 176cm, 76kg
Career matches: 33. Career goals: 21
2023 matches: 12. 2023 scores: 8.9

19.Sam Azzi, 22, 195cm, 88kg
Career matches: 3. Career goals: 0
2023 matches: 3. 2023 scores: 0.0

31.Cam McLeod, 21, 193cm, 81kg
Career matches: 5. Career goals: 1
2023 matches: 2. 2023 scores: 0.0

39.Emmanuel Ajang, 21, 190cm, 84kg
Career matches: 7. Career goals: 1
2023 matches: 6. 2023 scores: 1.0

50.Sam Conway, 24, 204cm, 105kg
Career matches: 18. Career goals: 1
2023 matches: 0. 2023 scores: 0.0

57.Matthew Keast, 21, 181cm, 83kg
Career matches: 27. Career goals: 11
2023 matches: 16. 2023 scores: 8.11

Small crowd. The smallest since the grand final at the showgrounds? 

What a ripping game of footy so far. 2 points the difference into time on in the second quarter. Tigers 35, Suns 39