BULLIOH has been installed as favourites to win Saturday’s Upper Murray league grand final against Corryong.
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Three of the rival four coaches have backed the minor premier to take out their first premiership since 2011.
Border-Walwa’s Craig Bosley, Cudgewa’s Kiale Crowther and Tumbarumba’s Mason Tait believe the Bulldogs will reverse their second semi-final loss to Corryong.
“I don’t think they will play that badly again,” Bosley said.
“Bullioh would have learnt a lot from the loss.
“I think they will win by a couple of goals.”
Crowther believes the big Corryong ground will suit Bullioh as it attempts to continue the Demons’ run of outs in grand finals.
“I think the big ground and dry weather will play into Bullioh’s hands,” Crowther, who has stepped down as Cudgewa coach, said.
“They will have a bit more run than Corryong.”
Tait expects Bullioh to win after being the top side throughout the home and away series.
“They are well coached by Clint (Ried) and ‘Deany’ (Peter Dean) and finished on top of the ladder for a reason,” Tait said.
Federal coach Gerard Midson likes Corryong’s chances of winning its first premiership since 2005.
“I think Corryong is a bit more potent in the midfield,” Midson said.
“They are the best side we played throughout the year.”
One of the reasons Bullioh is favoured to win is the form of Zac Burhop.
Burhop, who is one of Albury-Wodonga’s leading section one tennis players, joined the Upper Murray league club through his connection with leading Border curator and Bullioh president Shayne Ried.
He has kicked 43 goals in 13 matches and shapes as a potential match-winner in the grand final.
“It’s been a good year and hopefully we can take it out,” Burhop, 21, said.
“We are two-all this season so there isn’t much between the sides.”
Burhop has played the bulk of his football for Tathra Sea Eagles as well as having a stint with Ovens and Murray club Wodonga.
“I have done some tennis coaching at Wodonga and got to know ‘Reidy’ so I thought I’d go to Bullioh for a kick,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed it.
“Hopefully we can finish the season well on Saturday.”
Saturday’s grand final draw at Corryong:
Seniors: 2.15pm, Corryong v Bullioh.
Reserves: 11.45pm, Bullioh v Federal.
Under-16s: 10.30am: Federal v Tumbarumba.
Under-13s: 9.45am: Corryong v Tumbarumba.