As we drawer ever closer to the Finals, the match of the round for this week really needs to focus on those teams who are either, safe in the final four, or close enough that a win, and perhaps a loss to one or two others currently in the four, manages to propel them above some other team precariously hanging in, and so for that reason, the match of the round this week is the third clash this season between the Hawks and the Swans at the Home of AFL in Mackay ,Harrup Park Country Club.
With one win each over the two games played previously this season, this game is really a litmus test for the potential action in September, and naturally, a win to either side will be a definite physiological advantage to whoever the winning side may be.
The Hawks seem to be over their slump and are coming good at the right end of the season, and the Swans, after such a dominating season, seem to have lost the handle on their winning ways, over their last two games.
This sets up a great tussle between these two mighty clubs and despite recent history, this game could go either way.
Both Coaches will have their respective teams primed for action, and if the Hawks can get an early break, will the Swans backline, as they have done for most of the year, be able to pull the Hawks back into line, and can the Hawks, who have been dominant at the centre clearances in most of their matches, be able to maintain that pressure, and transfer that to the scoreboard ?
Both clubs have trained well this week, and with Hawks coming off a bye last week, they could well be the fresher side, however Swans Coach Brad McLaren know how important this game is and I am sure that with a few inclusion into his side of some quality playmakers, he is confident of a much better showing than their last two games have produced.
Hawks coach Dave Johnstone I am sure, will have whipped his lads into a frenzy at training, and provided they play the Hawks brand of footy that he instils into them each week, he too is confident that at the final siren sounding, the Hawks could in fact cement top spot on the ladder, with equal points to the Swans, but with a far healthier percentage.
This game could produce anything, and as it is to be played at Harrup Park, it is one game not to be missed !
Other games this weekend are the clash between the Moranbah Bulldogs at home at Stevenson’s Sports Park hosting the Bakers Creek Tigers.
The Northern Beaches Magpies are at home to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles, and this game, played at the Magpies Sporting Club, should also be a good contest.
Last Modified on 09/08/2013 09:20