Finals Preview
SEFNL FINALS – WEEK FOUR PREVIEW
Seniors
Cranbourne v Berwick
Cranbourne line-up for their sixth consecutive grand final not winning a premiership since 2011, against last year’s premiers Berwick. Wins mean nothing as proven last year when the Wickers were able to turn the tables on the Eagles winning grand final day by 30 points. Cranbourne held on to defeat Berwick by 3 points in the second semi-final in a similar result to last year. Cranbourne look a different team to 2015 although relying on their experienced warriors they have developed from within and shown they have plenty of depth. Berwick were on top of the ladder for the first half of the season but lost return bouts against Narre Warren and Cranbourne. Berwick finished the preliminary final last week with injury concerns to Nick Hillard and Madi Andrews, the later succumbing to a knee injury during the third quarter. Coach Rhys Nisbet was confident both would play but could be looking at his options as Berwick have all 3 teams playing for a flag like in 2015.
Conditions could restrict us from a free flowing game with showers expected all week and on game day. Like most modern day matches you can expect this result to be dictated by the most dominant midfield. It's nearly becoming cliche but finals can be won by the team who wins the most one-on-one contests over the course of the match. Which 22 can sustain the physical pressure on the footy and limit turning over possession when in control. Both teams have a cluster of talent at their disposal and will look to convert early opportunities to gain the ascendancy early. Cranbourne Coach Simon Goosey has stated publicly that his charges have confronted their grand final day demons and put the disappointments of yesteryear where they belong in the past. Proof will be in the pudding as Cranbourne look to win their 2nd premiership in 6 years. Cranbourne will be without Marc Holt which has reduced their impact on the scoreboard but they continue to find ways to win. The Eagles are riding an 11 game winning streak and have built up a great team synergy with everyone knowing their role and executing. Berwick have shown that their best is good enough to win back-to-back premierships. The Wickers looked slick at times moving the ball with ease, their forwards combining for 20 goals last week and looked to be back playing confident football. This could be one of the best grand finals in recent times with both teams are so evenly matched.
Last 5 matches
2016 2nd Semi-Final – Cranbourne 9.10.64 def Berwick 8.13.61
2016 Round 11 – Cranbourne 16.12.108 def Berwick 7.13.55
2016 Round 5 – Berwick 18.12.120 def Cranbourne 13.11.89
2015 Grand Final – Cranbourne 13.11.89 lost to Berwick 17.17.119
2015 2nd Semi-Final – Cranbourne 17.13.115 def Berwick 11.15.81
Key Match-Ups
Brandon Osborne (Cranbourne) v Mitch Johnson (Berwick) - Osborne has developed into one of the best defenders in the SEFNL and will likely start on the dangerous Johnson. Johnson has kicked 46 goals this season with 8 goals coming in the past 2 weeks.
Max Gearon (Cranbourne) v Madi Andrews (Berwick) - Gearon has appeared in their best players 7 times this season and has taken his game to a new level playing a defined role. Andrews is a work horse and grinds his opponent into the ground. Andrews came off the ground with a knee injury it could mean their captain goes into the grand final injured
Michael Boland (Cranbourne) v Patrick Johnson/Andrew Morozoff (Berwick) - Boland appears to be playing injury free and back to his best. Boland could play a lone-hand in the ruck against Johnson or Morozoff who rotate in the middle during the match. Troy Tharle could be chop-out for Boland at times. Boland can be damaging if left to roam in defence playing a kick behind the play.
Ryan Jones (Cranbourne) v Luke Sheppard (Berwick) - Jones has really stepped up his forward presence without Marc Holt. Jones has kicked 32 goals this season with 10 goals coming the last 3 weeks. Berwick have a few options to use on Jones, but Sheppard could look to try and turn defence into offence. Both players will need to be on their game to make the most of every opportunity
Best On Ground - Shaun Marusic (Cranbourne)
Prediction - Cranbourne 9 points.
Reserves
Berwick v Cranbourne
Last Time: 2016 2nd Semi-Final – Berwick 8.5.53 def Cranbourne 3.8.26
Berwick’s reserves have been red-hot this season going through undefeated to this stage of the season. After winning last year’s premiership there is nothing suggesting it won’t happen again this year. Cranbourne’s reserves are stock full of talent and experience but struggled to convert in the 2nd Semi-Final. It’s hard to see Cranbourne closing the gap on Berwick this weekend. Berwick to win by 25 points
U/19's
Beaconsfield v Berwick A
Last Time: 2016 2nd Semi – Final Berwick A 6.2.38 lost to Beaconsfield 7.9.51
It was the plucky Eagles who brought Berwick’s undefeated streak to an end in the 2nd Semi-Final. The Wickers had been unbeaten since their triumphant grand final win last year. Berwick Football Club has had a production line for young talent and it has continued this season and will look to finish off with another premiership. Beaconsfield will be at full strength with players returning from senior duties, will it be enough to secure a second win during finals against Berwick? Berwick were impressive in the second half of the preliminary final and will be looking that form into the big dance. Berwick by 11 points
Last Modified on 22/09/2016 14:16