by Phantom Gossiper » Mon Aug 25, 2014 12:41 pm
Results after Finals Week 1:
Rosewater 19.7.121 d Fitzroy 11.12.78
West Croydon 23.8.146 d Ingle Farm 7.15.57
Lockleys 9.14.68 d Ingle Farm 8.13.61
West Croydon 9.6.60 d Mawson Lakes 7.8.50
Finals Week 2:
14:15 Blackfriars v West Croydon (St Dominics Oval): - Big match this one, both sides will be eager to cement their spot in the Grand Final and book a ticket to D5 next season. Last time these sides met was at the same venue, and the Hounds ran out comfortable 32 point winners with a 7 goal to 2 final quarter, after the Hawks had challenged up until 3/4 time. It will be interesting to see how Blackfriars handle the finals type intensity after a couple of 'softer' weeks against lower opposition and then the week off. They may well find themselves starting a bit slower.
West Croydon were clinical in their victory over Ingle Farm on the weekend, and thrived on the occasion. Noticeable to me was their far improved foot skills and ability to run hard forward. Losing Stubberfield early was a blow, but Johnston and O'Toole stood up and proved that their goal kicking options run deeper than first thought.
One criticism over the Hawks has been their apparent neglect to defence and happy to engage in shoot outs - this appeared rectified Saturday with their back 6 holding firm. They were able to respond to every Farmers challenge, and proved to have a strong mix around the ground.
Blackfriars is a slightly shorter ground, but the wide wings should still provide ample space for their runners to move. I think an upset is on the cards here, and West Croydon to book themselves into the big dance. Hawks 1-24 points.
14:15 Ingle Farm v Rosewater (Rowe Park): Two clubs that promised so much during the season and had high expectations placed on them now face off in this knock out Semi. Rosewater will hold no fears of Rowe Park after upsetting the 'Dogs in Round 15 by 3 goals. Started slowly on the weekend against Fitzroy, Rosewater were able to lift when needed and run out comprehensive 43 winners, Shaun Jacobsen doing the major damage with 7. Josh Vines earning Best on Ground honours, I can only imagine he provided some strong defensive pressure in the Rosewater forward line. Ingle Farm find themselves in a rapid free fall and need to find something to arrest this decline. Started the game well against West Croydon but quickly fell behind the 8 ball, and then after half time things went from bad to worse as the margin blew out to an incredible 89 points. The Farmers had their opportunites going forward but couldn't capitilise and missed some crucial chances. Very few who could say they played a full 4 quarters. Eric Glouftsis continues to be a shining light for the Farmers, and George Long's successful return from injury is a massive boost.
With a couple set to return this week including captain Russell Barker and in front of a big home crowd, the Farmers will be building up steadily for this one - this is their grand final.
A physical low scoring contest this will be, I feel if the 'Dogs from Rowe Park can identify another inside mid and goal scoring option then this match is ripe for the picking.
Question: Do they play for the 'Doggy Cup' in this match?
12:15 Ingle Farm v West Croydon (St Dominics Oval): West Croydon continue to surprise and do enough to win matches. This goes to show you dont need a superstar team but rather a group of lads willing to play for each other to obtain success. Defeated Mawson Lakes last week, and following their A grade again this week, the Hawks will be brimming with confidence. Last time they met, the Hawks were able to run over the top of Ingle Farm to claim a one goal win. The smaller surrounds of St Dominics will suit the Hawks better, but will need to produce their best 4 quarters of the season in this match.
The Farmers travelled to Lockleys on the weekend, and after jumping out to strong lead early with a 5 goal 1st quarter, the 'Dogs were only able to score maximum points 3 more times over the course of the match. Missed crucial opporutities during the latter stages, on a warm day the Farmers were over run late in the last quarter by 7 points.
There were enough signs to say that the Farmers are not far from returning to their best, but goal kicking continues to be a concern, struggling for goals and generally missing more than they get. With the A grade hopefully welcoming back a couple, the axe should be wielded on some dead weight and the side bolstered with the inclusion of a couple coming down.
Ingle Farm by 24+ points.
12:15 Rosewater v Lockleys (Rowe Park): Two sides that play a similar style and both have dangerous forward lines. Rosewater fresh from their week off will be eager to stamp their authority on this match and advance to the Grand Final. Shannon and Kouba continue to be the keys up forward for the Dogs. It will be interesting to see if they are strengthened by the return of Carson, Paget and Vines who played in the A grade last week. Important cogs to their lineup, they look considerably weaker without that trio.
Lockleys on the other hand will be full of confidence after over running the gallant Ingle Farm at home by 7 points. A dangerous forward line which includes Mitchell, Naley, Gatis and Olsen, the 'Dees have what it takes to match it anyone. Ascoli brilliant on the weekend, and had Mitchell's hands up forward not been so slippery early, the scoreline may have been different. A fit side that can run out 4 quarters and have the faith to believe they can stay in games until the end. It was Rosewater by 9 points last time they met, I sense a similar margin in this clash but a different result.
This will be the grand final preview.
Lockleys by 1-12 points.