IF Brierly-Christ Church wicket-keeper Zavier Mungean had to chose his grand final opponent over again he would still pick Russells Creek.
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The 17-year-old, who moved to the Bulls after Nirranda dropped out of the top division in the off-season, mentioned Creek as one of his favourites to pull on the whites and face.
"They are a very tough side to play against," the Mercy Regional College Camperdown year 12 student said.
"I actually love playing against them as they have really decent bowlers in the likes of Jimmy Elford and Matthew Petherick."
The Mark Murphy-led Bulls will be aiming to halt Russells Creek's goal of back-to-back Warrnambool and District premierships and claim the club's first two-day flag at Reid Oval this weekend.
Mungean, who will have his father Jason and brother Tyler by his side, enters the grand final in strong form with 505 runs at an average of 26.6 and 16 catches from the season so far.
He has made 180 of his season's total in the past four matches - including a 94 and a 71. But he said he still felt the normal pre-game nerves heading into the final game of the season.
"I'm feeling pretty nervous and they will be there until I face my first ball," the opener said.
"Once I get past that I'll be fine. I'd rather we field because I feel more comfortable chasing but I'm OK with whatever we do."
His skipper, Mark Murphy, has been a constant supplier of advice this season with the teenager going to him as many times as he can.
Mungean said the advice made him feel comfortable on the pitch and allowed him to find his career-best form.
"This year is the best I have ever felt," he said.
"I've made a lot more runs than I have ever and it's all thanks to the coaching from Mark and (his brother) Nathan.
"Mark constantly tells me to get my head down and play the ball close to my body when I bat. I also listen to their advice (on wicket-keeping) and staying low."
Play gets underway in the division one grand final at Reid Oval from 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
