Meet the Hawks: Wangaratta Rovers' grand final profiles

As Wangaratta Rovers prepares to meet Wangaratta Magpies in the Ovens and Murray league senior football final on Sunday, September 20, ANDREW MOIR analyses the players, one by one.

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LOCKEY MCCARTNEY (1) Extremely physical player and capable of kicking goals.

DYLAN WILSON (3) Was the game's leading goalkicker in last week's preliminary final over Myrtleford with three. When the Saints cut the margin to 14 points late in the third term, Wilson grabbed a turnover and drilled the shot from 45m. It proved pivotal.

TOM BOYD (5) Cramped up in the grand final qualifier and was not able to provide a spark when pushed forward, but returned to form last week. Capable of playing forward to stretch the Pies defence, but made his name an an intercept-marking defender.

LOCHIE O'BRIEN (6) When Rovers hammered Myrtleford by 73 points in the qualifying final, opposition coach Craig Millar was asked about O'Brien's impact. "AFL-player, AFL-ball user". The Border Mail rated the league's best kicks since 2000 and the left-footer was No. 9.

WILL CHRISTIE (8) Proved the difference in last year's grand final, kicking four of the nine goals. Injured his knee early in the finals and was extremely proppy against Wangaratta, but looked better last week. The game's biggest player at 202cms.

XAVIER ALLISON (9) Outstanding in defence against Myrtleford, but showed his attacking class early in the second quarter. Lochie O'Brien kicked into the corridor and Allison ran on to the ball superbly, nailing the 49-metre shot. It is one of two goals this season.

BRODIE FILO (10) The Hawks oldest player at 36, but has played two terrific grand finals and is as experienced as any player. Rated the game's best kick since 2000 in The Border Mail last month and clearly the best on both feet.

ED DAYMAN (11) Won the Did Simpson Medal in 2024, kicking two goals, and backed it up another last year, racking up 21 touches, including 15 contested possessions, in the ruck. Has been carrying a hand injury, but was strong against Myrtleford.

SAM MURRAY (13) Along with Rovers' size in the forward line, he was the difference in last year's decider. Had battled hamstring issues and the flu over recent months, but returned to his best last week. Finished equal fifth in the Morris Medal with 15 votes. Centreman in Team of the Year.

CHARLIE THOMPSON (14) Top six in three of the league's statistics, including second for contested possessions with 247. Wangaratta has a bigger midfield, but he is a ferocious competitor. Named rover in Team of the Year.

MITCH HARDIE (15) Was one of the league's biggest off-season recruits after spending a season-and-a-half on Geelong's AFL list and being selected in the VFL Team of the Year in successive seasons. Named in the O and M's top team at half-forward, but also damaging in the midfield. Best-on-ground against the Saints in the preliminary final.

KIEREN PARNELL (16) Big-match performer. Took a handful of marks in defence to win the 2024 flag and you can count on him excelling in any role.

JUSTIN LEWIS (18) An automatic selection, but has been missing through injury.

HARRY MCMONIGLE (21) One of only two multiple goalkickers against Wangaratta a fortnight ago and given how difficult it is to break down the Pies, you need as many players capable of kicking goals as possible.

SAMUEL CATTAPAN (22) When Rovers trailed Wangaratta heading into the final quarter in round 11, he and fellow on-baller Brodie Filo willed the team to a thrilling five-point win. He was ferocious at the ball.

NOAH SCHOLTE (23) Kicked two goals against Myrtleford, including the first of the match after three minutes when he showed his nous to read the play.

JACE MCQUADE (27) Joined Essendon VFL over summer and set himself the modest target of playing only one game but, to the surprise of everyone in the O and M, has not played state-level in 2026, albeit the Bombers finished fifth after the regular season. An outstanding lockdown defender, but has added attacking aspects.

JOEL SMITH (28) In a top team like the Hawks, it is hard to grab the headlines, but continues to improve in defence.

CHARLES LEDGER (29) Has worked himself into a key defender and with Nathan Cooper unavailable, will he get the job on the unpredictable Xavier Laverty?

BRODIE PAUL (33) Has worked hard to win a spot in the team. Has a basketball background so has good hands.

ALEX MCCARTHY (36) Was the only Hawk to kick multiple goals against Wangaratta in the grand final qualifier and was named the team's best, but spent much of last week in the midfield, where he was again in the best.

JAI DAL ZOTTO (51) The heartbreak story last year when dropped for the grand final after playing 15 games, but has improved his play on the wing and could line up against the in-form Fraser Ellis.

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