Sport
27 March, 2026
MDCA A Grade Grand Final Preview — Laanecoorie Dunolly Vs Colts Phelans
One of the MDCA’s most pivotal rivalries in recent memory will once again skirmish on the grandest stage, as Colts Phelans will look to go back-to-back against a Laanecoorie Dunolly determined to resume their dynasty.
While the Colts entered this weekend’s decider as the reigning premiers, it could be argued they have the most to prove.
Since their drought-breaking victory against Laane back in round eight, the Colts have given themselves opportunities to vanquish their old foe again, yet have failed to prevail, resulting in them losing the one-day Grand Final and the top seed for finals.
Colts Phelans’ Gary Wagstaff said the team hasn’t been affected by those recent defeats, knowing full well they match up well against the one-day champions.
“We are keen to go, we know they have won three and we have won one for the year, but the sides are fairly compatible and even,” he said.
“I’ll just be the best team over the two days who wins the Grand Final, but we are buzzing and keen for the challenge.”
Many familiar faces have remained key cornerstones to the Colts’ premiership defence, led by captain and reliable opener Rhys Wagstaff.
Emphasized by his MDCA Team of the Year selection, Nick Henderson continues to exceed his lofty expectations, leading the Colts bowling attack alongside the dependable Dayne Baker and spinner Ben Evans.
While maintaining his prolific bowling, the 2025 Grand Final Best on Ground winner has developed into a steady run-scorer, boosting a new look batting lineup that’s seen fresh faces flourish.
Complementing his 30 break-throughs, Asim Akhtar earned himself a place alongside Henderson in the MDCA Team of the Year by finishing second in the run-scoring charts.
Contrasting Akhtar’s heavy-hitting style are the methodical Josh Collinson and Tarkyn Balzan, two batters who could bat for days if required.
The reigning premiers’ batting attack, led by a Wayne Stubbings 50 and extended knocks from Rhys Wagstaff and Collinson, placed the Colts in an ideal situation at 1/98 during last weekend’s semi-final against Maryborough before losing their last nine wickets for 80 runs.
In a showcase of their champion-ship heart, the Colts produced a terrorising bowling performance to have the Owls all out for 121 in just 45.4 overs.
“We looked like we were going to get well over 200, then Oliver Cassidy came and had a different story, but we then put our head down after that,” Gary Wagstaff said about his team’s semi-final triumph.
“Evans particularly and Jack Galimore provided the stance for us to get 178, which we didn’t think was enough, but in the end it was.”
Meanwhile, one word can describe Laanecoorie Dunolly’s objective for this season. Retribution.
Looking to avenge their 60-game unbeaten run and two-day premiership streak after it was snapped dramatically by Carisbrook in last season’s semi-final, the former five-time reigning premiers have remained in A grade’s upper echelon.
While retaining their one-day crown was a start, Laane’s gaze has been transfixed on the March Grand Final since October, returning after a semi-final triumph against Beaufort.
“It certainly means a lot to the group. We’re at a club that prides itself on being successful. Obviously, we had a little bit of disappointment not making it last year. So a lot of the boys are really keen to make sure that they put their best foot forward,” Laane captain Tom Hannett said.
A blend of returning heroes like Hannett, Sam Bartlett and Matt Smith, as well as talented recruits such as Nafis Shaikh and Josh Fitzpatrick, make up the latest iteration of the Laane juggernaut that remains loaded with depth.
Adding to a team that’s already loaded, Laane brought in Amar Ullah, who Hannett said has brought another dynamic to his team’s disciplined bowling attack.
“I think our guys just really understood their roles perfectly. We don’t have a bowler at the moment who can tear a side apart from the top, so we base ourselves on being consistent,” he said.
“The bowlers make it really easy for me to set the fields, because they just go out and execute the way we want them to.
“Ullah knows his game really well. You can give him the ball and have a full conference that he understands the situation and knows what’s expected of him.
“Being that left-arm spinner, it’s a different challenge for a lot of the batsmen, so it’s definitely an incredible skill to have in our side.”
Ullah played a crucial role in Laane limiting Beaufort to 8/157 on day one with figures of 3/40 from 25 overs, but the Bulls quickly charged down Laane on day two, having the favourites 3/19.
With the threat of another semi-final elimination looming, Bartlett and Fitzpatrick eased any concerns with a game-winning 141-run partnership.
“Sam’s had an incredible season through that middle order for us and Josh’s last month and a half has been really consistent,” Hannett said.
“Having guys like that come through the middle order not only gives us that security when we do have shaky starts, but also gives our top order a lot of confidence to go out and perform.”
Ahead of this weekend’s decider, Hannett was all praise for the Colts, excited for what he expects to be a nail-biting contest.
“The Colts are an incredibly even side, they’re much like us, have a lot of depth through their batting and bowling ranks,” he said.
“They’ve got their steady bats that can dig in and can bat for long periods and that really suits their hard hitters like Akhtar and Rhys Egan.
“You know when you face their bowling, they’re very rarely going to let you settle in early. They’re going to make sure that they get you playing early
“You have to be on for 78 overs both days because a side like them, it only takes five overs to really swing the momentum. We know we’re going to be up against it and I think it’s going to be a terrific grand final.”