SENIORS
Second Semi final - Macedon
Romsey v Riddell, Saturday 30th August
Last time they met - Round 13 -
Quarters won - 1/2/3/4
Romsey - 15, 16, 14, 17 = 62
Riddell - 12, 13, 10, 10 = 45
Both teams head into this game with fighting wins under their belt in difficult, windy conditions. The Redbacks showed the true fight that they have displayed for most of the season against the Sharks, even dealing with key forward Dan Jordan pushing to the backline. Key midfielders Brad Mitchell, Shaun Austin and Cam Streeter continued their brilliant form with starring performances while Phil Lobb kicked three goals and marked everything that went his way.
Riddell were tested at every hurdle by the Rams. They kicked nine blistering goals in the third term and that set them up for a 34 point win. They didn’t have it their own way for most of the game due to Rockbank’s tremendous pressure. Haydn Ross and Paul Sahlberg were the stand-outs while Ruffell kicked three goals in the third term to break the game open.
This will be nothing like their last match in round 13 where the Redbacks won comfortably. Riddell have shown that they are a more competitive team with a dedicated playing group that is capable of pushing flag favourites all the way. There are dream match-ups everywhere in this clash with all players in form. Trigg and Carriss in the ruck, Burlak and Ruffell in Riddell’s forward half, Mitchell and Foreman on the wing, and that’s the tip of the iceberg. If Lobb breaks loose for Romsey at half forward, Riddell will be in for a tough day at the office. Both teams have great runners. The key to Romsey’s win in their last clash was due to their midfield dominance that sent Riddell’s runners down back to win the ball. We will see an entertaining match that should be what their round 13 clash wasn’t.
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First Semi final – Rockbank
Rupertswood v Diggers Rest, SUnday 31st August
Last time they met – Round 18 – Diggers Rest
Rupertswood 12.10 (82) defeated Diggers Rest 7.12 (54)
Quarters won – 1/2/3/4
Rupertswood – 14, 11, 11, 13 = 49
Diggers Rest – 11, 9, 12, 11 = 41
Rupertswood pushed the Redbacks all the way in their Qualifying final clash at Wallan. They did not make full use of the wind in the first term before slipping away in the second and were left to chase for the remainder of the game. Dan Jordan was the clear stand-out for the Sharks for the game while young gun Lachie Muir impressed and Shane Bishop was a key in the midfield.
Diggers Rest played their finest four quarter performance of football for the season when they accounted for the Sunbury Kangaroos in the sudden death Elimination final at MacPherson Park. They kicked goals into a strong breeze and held the Sunbury Kangaroo forwards when they kicked into it. There was a lot to like about their performance for the key tall forwards in Breen, Smailes and Wilson all standing up while Clark and Krul played their part in the midfield to give their previously tall opponents plenty of headaches.
The two sides met just two weeks ago and there was a lot to like about the way the Sharks played their team game. The Burras were almost at full strength with a full complement of talls to choose from and yet the shorter Sharks kept them out of the game. This game will play out a little differently. The Burra’s talls starred last week and expect them to keep that level up in this game. Rupertswood have a strong balanced side and their game plan is a key to their success. The height will be the key to Diggers Rest’s success; however, Rupertswood’s runners will be the key for them to win the game. Jordan, Brennan and Smerdon can kick goals as leading forwards while Gay and Kaye can kick slick goals. This is the match of the finals to date and if there is any game that can go to extra time out of the six on offer this weekend, this is it.
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RESERVES
Second Semi final - Macedon
Riddell v Romsey. Saturday 30th August
The minor premiers take on the hungry and determined Romsey side in a cracking contest. Riddell snuck over the line by nine points in their only previous hit-out for the season on a muddy deck. Both teams will benefit on a quick, big track and use their run to perfection. Both teams enjoyed stunning first terms last week, holding their opposition scoreless before running out winners. Tim Hynson continued his stellar form for the Bombers this year with five goals as he continues to surprise many with his accurate and lethal goal kicking. Nathan Stephens dominated for Romsey up forward and marked everything his way.
This has all the makings of being a quick and exciting contest. Joey Lefebrve and Ben Glasson have proved themselves as quality runners for the Bombers this year with Lefebrve a very handy goal kicker. On the other scale, Connor Whelan was the best man on the ground by a long stretch last week for the Redbacks and Dave Caccamo and Ben Morrison showed strong poise to set up the win. It's hard to pick a winner here with both teams featuring players with Senior experience.
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First Semi final - Rockbank
Rupertswood v Sunbury Kangaroos, Sunday 31st August
The Sharks limp into this clash with the Sunbury Kangaroos on the back of a heavy loss to Diggers Rest and a gutsy loss to the Bombers. The Roos had the win of the finals series to date last week when they defeated Diggers Rest by two points in a courageous effort.
Cody Cross and Tom Galea were the two stand-outs for the Sharks last week while Nick Agnello played his part in the late fight-back. The Roos were hard hit by injuries with three players lost before the final siren. The Sharks have won their two encounters this year, by 17 and 26 points respectively. Brandon Paul and Ben Goggins were the keys to the Roos fight back last week while Mitch Kook stepped up in patches. The question marks in this game will be whether the Sharks can bounce back from some rusty form, how bad the Roos were hit by injuries and whether they played their Grand final last week. Either way, this game is one not to be missed.
UNDER 18.5s
Second Semi final - Macedon
Rupertswood v Macedon, Saturday 30th August
This is a contest between two of the best sides in the competition. The two teams possess strong runners, clever goal kickers and great competitiveness across half back. They have met just once this year with the Sharks taking home the honours by a thumping 55 points.
Dylan Podolczak has been in fine touch for the Sharks in recent weeks. He kicked three goals last week while team mate Ben Gipp was handy. The lack of forward presence from league leading goal kicker Ash Millane was a key to the win. The Cats enjoyed the run against the Pies. Sheamus Lynch won plenty of the ball while Todd Grbac was a key. They have four key forwards, Seb Miletic, Tom Robson, James Potter and Ed Morrisey who all stepped up.
Their last meeting, also at this ground, will be a game of the past as these two quick, young and hard hitting teams look set to kick off the race for the first team to enter the Grand final on the day. The Sharks have been the team to beat all season and will be cautious that their similar efforts last year had them fall just short. This will be a great game to watch.
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First Semi final - Rockbank
Broadford v Kilmore, Sunday 31st August
Both teams will make the biggest trip in football when they travel from the North East to compete in the West. Broadford showed plenty of skill in the second half against the Sharks last week after a disappointing first half. They held their opponents scoreless in two terms which is a credit to their skills. Bulluss was a force up forward and is one of the best marking forwards in this level of competition. Ford and Meyer did plenty of damage around the ground. Kilmore enjoyed a stunning wind despite the final term head-count. Lucas impressed across half forward early to set up the win while Milne was dangerous up forward. Jaxson Kinnear was the best tall on the ground, doing the job at both ends. Expect him to be the key in this game, especially if he goes head-to-head with Bulluss. Broadford won their only clash of the year, back in round 12 by 55 points. On a fast track, this game could favour any side with Broadford favourites to win.
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Last Modified on 29/08/2014 17:18