This Saturday at noon at Mahoney Park, Marrickville sees the preliminary final between perennial powerhouse club Newtown versus the new force of SWAFL in the Balmain Dockers.
In 2008, out of the three games played head to head between the two respective clubs it has been 2 games to 1 in favour of Balmain but in finals, form can be thrown out the window, as only the best team on the day needs to win.
Keys to Newtown will be to use their spine and centres led by centre half-back Amanda Jenkins to their ruck in Natalie and the heart of their engine room in Melanie Roach to feed their full-forward Rebecca Burridge. In contrast Balmain will be looking for drive and energy led by their captain Natasha Devlin to feed their forwards in Natalie Morgan and goal-kicking sensation Belinda Pride. Big games are also expected on the wing from rookie sensation Karla Spilarawicz and ever present loose half-back Alison Parkin.
So far both teams have been impressive in the home and away season. For Balmain their main strength lies in their attack whilst Newtown have a solid back six and are always ready to punish on the counter-attack.
For the winner – a berth in the 2008 SWAFL Grand Final and the chance to contest against Wests for the premiership. For the non-winner, time to think about summer and commence Mad Monday Celebrations.
This is indeed a most anticipated match and may the best team win!
Last Modified on 27/08/2008 07:20