Pictured - West Coast Hawks veteran star Tyson Montgomerie. Will play a key part in Saturdays 2nd Semi
The Mid West finals train speeds to Minnipa for the 2nd Semi Finals. Quite a prize on offer here for the winners, the first spot in the Grand Final at Wudinna, outright premiership favouritism and a week of rest and enjoyment watching others slog it out in the Preliminary Finals.
Central Eyre v West Coast Hawks
Who wants a match up with the resurgent Roosters in the Preliminary Final, no-one! These two clubs have led the League in recent seasons, and have built quite a rivalry. No doubt both having excellent seasons by virtue of their berth in the top two, but similarly both having some injury issues that saw them drop games in the last round.
They have had some epic encounters in recent times, games decided only in the dying minutes. Last year’s 2nd semi won by the Bulldogs on the back of Tyler Chapman last second’s heroics, the 2013 Grand Final, nothing in it at three quarter time but Hawks steaming home, round two 2014 another less than a goal win, Bulldogs again. This year sees the ledger Bulldogs two wins to the Hawks one.
Hawks have played three finals at Minnipa for two wins; Bulldogs have played three finals at Minnipa for two wins.
Both of these teams have developed remarkably similar match styles, based around quick ball movement, run and precision delivery to the forward line.
Centrals have finished top of the table and carried pretty much all before them. Excellent pre season has seen them running out games as their opponent wilts. Question mark hangs over Tyler Chapman’s hamstring, knee scare to Tom Freeth seems to have passed, and returning will be Lachlan Heath, Jake Sampson and Micah Van Loon.
The Hawks should re gain Kirk Montgomerie from a knee strain, however are unlikely to have the services of Aiden Whitford due to work commitments.
The Bulldogs really have options through the centre, and are getting the where they want to be. Coach Wade O Brien is well experienced at what is needed this time of year. Ruck will be Tim Polkinghorne and Brett Mc Comb, throwing in a cameo from Lachy Heath. Jared Sampson, Jake Sampson, Jake Bruce, Micah Van Loon, Clint Winter all are prolific ball winners and devastating to the opposition if let run free. Back lines led by star centre half back Ty Mc Kenna and old general Ryan Sampson will rebound plenty. Kane Sampson looms dangerously forward, along with Wade O Brien provide some real forward line marking power on the smaller Minnipa Oval.
The Hawks finished the season full of run. Three Eyre Peninsula representatives in the centre, Dylan Kelsh rucking, Dillon Montgomerie and Mail Medallist Dale Montgomerie are all class. Joe McInnis and Jake Mc Evoy full of run all day. Brent Bascombe and Darren Brown are the key marking forwards, both strong bodies and one grabbers. Throw in Nathan Johnson there are plenty of options. Defensively the Hawks are well settled with Derick Freeman, Tyson Montgomerie and Damien Johnson in great form again, all experienced finals campaigners. Hawks boast a host of young fleet of runners, very fit and high work rate has been the cornerstone of the Hawks match plan for years now.
So who will win? Plenty to play for no doubt and different lead up. The Hawks are more settled, at least from their last two games getting a game style up and going that holds them in good stead for finals glory. They enjoy the big stage and are have the highest finals winning percentage in Mid West. The Bulldogs limped through their last match of the season and have had injury worries. They do have larger bodies than the Hawks and the potential to pack mark on the smaller venue. They will be desperate for the win, first chance of atonement for the past two year’s disappointment. On this smaller oval, the Bulldogs to have first entry to the Grand Final.
Reserves Wirrulla v West Coast Hawks
Wirrulla made the season their own, only losing once on the oval and really deserving favouritism for the flag. The one team that beat them was the Hawks, in the last round and perhaps asking questions in the pace department. The Hawks will play as if this is a normal club game, all grades are playing, whereas Wirrulla has the advantage of no A Grade to consider.
Up forward Troy Olsen, Lynton Pym and Peter Gum are keys. Smaller venue will call for contests and Bombers are asters at this. Daryl Lawrie, Saul Webb, Ben Lawrie all enjoying big seasons, Darren Mudge and big Marsy Slattery up back are seasoned campaigners
West Coast Hawks rely on quick ball movement and creating space. Jaxon Gilmore and Simon Tucker swept the League medals, Dion Trezona, Sam Frick and Robert Miller continue to win plenty of contests, Harmon Baldock and Tom Shaw will provide run.
Maybe the Bombers have the fire power here to go through
Colts Wudinna United v West Coast Hawks
These two ladder leaders do not want to face reigning premier Central Eyre in the Preliminary Final so will be going all out here. Jack Wilkins returns for the Maggies, a big in! These sides match up really well, both running and high scoring, but need to make sure a defensive focus is there.
For the Hawks, Zane Montgomerie, Noah Legovini, Isaac Galliver will have the ball going forward to Harry Goosay, a very accomplished forward, The Magpies have a host of options, Ian Jericho, Jack Wilkins, Sam Buckham, Harry Petty sure handed players, Fraser Douglass and Logan Elliott great goal scoring power. Possibly Lewis Habermann’s last match as he heads overseas
The Maggies have only lost one game, significantly it was to the Hawks in the last round, this will be a close one, but the Magpies to gain the first Grand Final spot!
Last Modified on 24/08/2014 13:03