But at its heart, it’s two clubs from Shepparton hunting the ultimate bragging rights in what shapes as one of the biggest games of local soccer in recent memory.
Shepparton United and Shepparton South vie for the League 1 men’s title on Sunday at Beischer Reserve, the first Super Cup Final meeting between the two clubs in the deciding game since 2014.
For South, the minor premier and arguably the competition's best-structured outfit, it’s their first trip to the grand final in two years, while United will be hunting its first title since 2018.
The ledger favours South this season – the two clubs drew 2-2 in the first round, but the black and white came out on top 1-0 in the round eight rematch.
South coach Luke Viney said while the nerves will be there, it will be business as usual for the best defensive team in the league.
“It’s always a nervous occasion going into a grand final,” Viney said.
“But it'll be a tough game, especially given they’ve hit quite good form at the latter end of the season.
“It’s always going to be a bit of a nervous one going into it, but I still back ourselves.
“I think with our defensive structure that we had this year, I think we'd be better in that aspect.
“I also back our forwards to create chances on goal.
“As long as we can put one or two away early, I think it should be a pretty comfortable game from there on, but it's obviously just about getting that into practice.”
Towering South striker Craig Mathieson will play a key part in the outcome of the game, while Rohan Byrne and Isaac Brooker will loom large.
At the other end of the pitch is a Shepparton United outfit riding a wave of momentum in 2025.
The Blues have gone from missing finals to a grand final within a season, showcasing flair and dare, headlined by striking duo Riki Koyanagi (15 goals) and Hassan Alhilfi (12), while Joseph Sepe and Marcus Thomas have also been dynamic.
Blues’ coach Roven Shaholli has been there before; he played in their last title win in 2018.
He knows the opportunity sitting before his team.
“I don’t think we’ve been in the Cup since I last won it,” Shaholli said.
“I’ve talked on the bus about it, and I want to create some fresh history that they can talk about.
“The support has been incredible; we’re just blessed to get this opportunity.
“The boys are all used to changing the game plan as we go through the game; they're starting to see things a lot better.
“Obviously, in finals, there's a big crowd, and there’s a lot of things going on during the game.
“We’re well-prepared, and the support we’ve had is incredible.”
In the reserves grand final, Shepparton SC will be hoping to bring some silverware back to Vibert Reserve when it faces off against Eaglehawk.
Shepparton South will have two opportunities for victory when the youth league team battles Spring Gully in the 11:30am game.
Spring Gully and Strathfieldsaye will play off for the League 1 women’s title.
The League 1 men’s grand final kick-off will take place at 4:30pm at Beischer Reserve in Strathdale.
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