ADCA 2025-26: Lions out to win third flag in six seasons as Peaks chase elusive second A-grade title

Seb Stanton and Mitch Green, skippers of Manypeaks and Royals, will lead out full-strength sides when they meet in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association A-grade grand final at Turf North on Saturday.

Stanton will welcome back opener Tom Leaver while Green said his team will be unchanged from the side which beat Peaks in the qualifying final on March 14.

It will be Peaks’ first grand final since 2018-19, though they were denied an appearance the following year because of COVID.

They are chasing their first premiership since the drought-breaking flag back in 2010-11.

The Lions, meanwhile, broke a lengthy drought in 2020-21 as they lifted the cup aloft and then lost two grand finals in a row before beating archrivals Mt Barker in 2023-24.

The men in blue will be itching to get their hands on the Herbert Robinson trophy for a third time in six seasons.

The sides were the top two teams in the regular season, with the Lions pipping their opponents at the death to top the ladder after finishing with a flourish.

Green, who will have six veterans of the Lions’ last triumph in action, said his side has the finals experience to grab the premiership and deny Peaks the title.

Lincoln Joy, Ryley Valli, Matt France, Hayden Davies, Matt Thompson and the skipper all played in the title-winning victory over the Bulls in 2023-24.

“We will take a lot of confidence from the win over Peaks in the qualifying final and having played in a few finals, winning and losing, I think we have what it takes to play and win,” he said.

“Manypeaks have had a strong season and deservedly secured their spot so we will see what Saturday brings.

Our plan will be pretty simple — do the basics and play our cricket without getting involved in the emotional side of a big game.

Leaver is set to return after missing week one of the finals, with youngster Ambrose Clayton expected to make way.

Stanton said Peaks would be wary of the Lions’ top order and would hope to make early inroads.

His first season as captain has been an enjoyable experience and the side which finished second bottom to miss out on finals last season has been a model of consistency this campaign.

“It has been awesome; there’s still a mix of older guys who have given me lots of support as captain,” he said.

“I haven’t had to handle everything on my own, I’ve really enjoyed it.

“We have been consistent, though it’s not really been part of a game plan — it has probably just worked out that way; the top order just want to be responsible and not lose early wickets.

“If we can do that, the middle order can come in and play with some freedom.”

After a disappointing qualifying final against their grand final opponents, Peaks came good the following day, setting their best total of the season against the Bulls.

Stanton appreciated having that second chance.

“We didn’t play our usual game in the qualifying final so it was good to have the opportunity to bounce back and play to our style,” he said.

The grand final will take place at Turf North starting at 11.30am.

In the B-grade grand final at Hard North, Manypeaks will clash with Royals from noon.

Collingwood Park will face off against Manypeaks in the C-grade decider starting at noon.