Box Hill and Hawthorn will aim to become one of the most successful AFL-VFL alignments on Sunday as the Hawks look to claim their third VFL flag.
Having defeated Williamstown by one point in a nail-biting preliminary final clash, the Hawks will face rivals Casey at Etihad Stadium searching to become just the fourth VFL side to win at least three premierships since the competition took its current form in 2000.
The Hawks previously triumphed in both the 2001 and 2013 deciders and are a chance to join fellow VFL sides Sandringham, North Ballarat and Geelong as the competition’s leading flag winners.
Sandringham currently lead the way with four premierships won during their 2000-2008 alignment with Melbourne, while North Ballarat – who were partially aligned with North Melbourne for their 2008, ’09 and ’10 flags – and Geelong (standalone side) sit on three flags.
Should the Hawks prove victorious this weekend, Box Hill and Hawthorn will share the most decorated of the four AFL-VFL alignments currently standing.
Grand final opponents Casey, who are aligned with Melbourne, are yet to win a premiership, while other AFL affiliated clubs Sandringham (St Kilda) and the Northern Blues (Carlton) are also yet to win a flag under their current arrangements.