Preliminary Final Previews

WOMEN 6:30 PM | SATURDAY 23 AUGUST | MARS
OFFICIALS:  Nathan Wieland and Michelle Dyson


Norwood v North Adelaide

LAST WEEK    
Norwood
The Flames lost to Sturt at home for the second time this year, going down 65-67. Their 32-46 half-time deficit proved just too much to overcome, with the otherwise impeccable Amy Lewis (27 points) committing three turnovers on their final three offensive possessions. Star Jess Foley did not play due to injury.

North
The Rockets continued their dominance against South Adelaide this season, getting up 80-63. Jamie-Lee Peris and Jo Hill combined for 43 points and 25 rebounds.

KEY STATISTICAL PERFORMERS
Scorers
Norwood:      
Amy Lewis 19.3 ppg; Jessica Good 14.0 ppg
North:             Jo Hill 16.9 ppg; Jamie-Lee Peris 12.9 ppg

Rebounders
Norwood:       Jessica Good 8.8 rpg; Amy Lewis 6.1 rpg
North:             Jamie-Lee Peris 11.1 rpg; Jo Hill 10.3 rpg

Assisters
Norwood:       Jessica Foley 3.8 apg; Amy Lewis 3.6 apg
North:             Jo Hill 3.0 apg; Shannon McKay 2.7 apg

X-FACTOR
Norwood
Rachel Herrick. Herrick had one of her stronger games this season when the Flames and Rockets met in Round 5, posting 12 rebounds and 5 points. One of the Rockets’ greatest strengths is rebounding, so Herrick will be important in countering the interior dominance of Hill and Peris.

North
Jo Hill & Jamie-Lee Peris. Hill and Peris have carried the Rockets throughout the season, and particularly in this finals series. In the most recent meeting between the Rockets and Flames, the Rockets lost 42-76, with Peris absent and Hill (11 points, 3-15 FG) struggling. In the earlier meeting, the two combined for just 28 points and 13 rebounds, with the Rockets defeated by 7. If the Rockets are to score enough points to win, then they will need Hill and Peris at least around the 20 points each mark, as they were in last week’s win. 

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Round 5:         Norwood 74 def North 67 @ Mars
Round 18:       Norwood 76 def North 42 @ Hillcrest

VERDICT         
Ever since they lost to Sturt the first time, the Flames have looked their most vulnerable for a long time. After losing back-to-back Grand Finals to their local rivals, Rocket redemption is suddenly a real possibility. Plenty of ifs, buts and maybes – personnel, foul trouble, efficiency. The Flames deserve to start favourites, but do not be surprised if the Rockets pull off an upset.

PREDICTION  
Flames by 9    

 

 


MEN 8:15 PM | SATURDAY 23 AUGUST  | MARS
OFFICIALS: Nathan Durant and Andrew Filmer


Norwood v West Adelaide

LAST WEEK
Norwood
The Flames managed just 28 second half points against Woodville. After leading 44-43 at half-time, the Flames fell to a 72-86 defeat. Matthew Lycett had 23 points and Andrew Webber 19.

West
The Bearcats beat Centrals for the first time this season, 91-76. They outscored them 28-6 in the fourth quarter. Blake Truslove and Jason Dawson combined for 45 points, 21 rebounds and 9 assists.

KEY STATISTICAL PERFORMERS
Scorers
Norwood:      
Matthew Lycett 18.1 ppg; Andrew Webber 12.1 ppg           
West:              Jason Dawson 20.7 ppg; Daniel Johnson 19.0 ppg

Rebounders
Norwood:       Matthew Lycett 9.4 rpg; Keith Krause 5.6 rpg
West:              Blake Truslove 12.3 rpg; Daniel Johnson 11.5 rpg

Assisters
Norwood:       Andrew Webber 3.9 apg; Todd Matthews 3.6 apg
West:              Anthony Spadavecchia 4.4 apg; Jason Dawson 4.1 apg

X-FACTOR
Norwood
Todd Matthews. Matthews had 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals against Centrals when the Flames triumphed in the Qualifying Final. Yet he had just 4-2-0 in the Second Semi Final loss to Woodville. Matthews is an influential player for the Flames – one of the reasons they rose from eighth last year to second this season. The Flames need a big game out of him if they are to earn another shot at the Warriors next week.

West
Blake Truslove. Truslove missed the first match of the season against the Flames, while his numbers in Round 18 were down on his season averages. He has a massive size advantage over all of the Flames’ big men, and after a 24 point, 14 rebound game last week, he could be the man to swing the pendulum in favour of the Bearcats.

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Round 9:         Norwood 77 def West 70 @ Mars
Round 18:       Norwood 96 def West 84 @ Port Adelaide

VERDICT         
So far in this finals series, the Bearcats have proven that the past is irrelevant. They knocked off a Forestville team that always seems to get the best of them when it matters most. Then they came from behind to beat Centrals, after the Lions had swept them in the regular season. They are playing their best ball when it matters most. The Flames dominated the Lions for four quarters, but were brought back down to earth against Woodville. If they can stay on top of their game throughout, then they should have the depth and versatility to get the job done.

PREDICTION  
Flames by 7

 




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