O&M grand final stays at Lavington

The league’s board of management avoided a possible supporter revolt if the grand final was shifted to Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval this season with the Tigers and Panthers suddenly in serious contention to meet in the grand final.

Third-placed Lavington ended reigning premier Yarrawonga’s 28-match winning streak last Saturday in front of a large contingent of O and M board members.

After more than 90 minutes of discussion, the league’s board of directors decided to keep the grand final at Lavington Oval for a 19th successive season.

The consolation prize for Wangaratta was hosting the preliminary final, which was also confirmed last night.

Bunton Park will host the second semi-final.

Wangaratta has been lobbying for the grand final to return to Norm Minns Oval since the mid-2000s with the venue undergoing a $1.3 million upgrade to a standard capable of hosting AFL practice matches.

Lavington and Albury Council presented a joint bid to keep the grand final at the council-owned ground and Wangaratta Magpies flew solo in their application.

League general manager Aaron McGlynn said Lavington’s proven ability to accommodate a large crowd was a major factor in the board’s decision.

“It wasn’t a clear cut decision,” he said.

“They are obviously two premier facilities and they are where the season’s two biggest games will be played.

“It was probably the spectator side of things that was the difference.”

Wangaratta Magpies president Col McClounan said last night his club always felt moving the grand final would be a tough call for the O and M.

“We are not cranky,” he said.

“It is disappointing for Wangaratta, but the grand final has been at Lavington for the last 19 years and there have been some pretty good events up there.

“It would have to be a pretty good argument to shift it away — we’ve put up that argument and not been successful on this occasion.”