Dalby Swans v University Cougars @ Swans Oval
Last Time: Round 8: University 16.11 (107) d Dalby 6.9 (45)
These two clubs are in the best form of the competition in what is set to be a fantastic match. Dalby has lost just one match since their Round 8 matchup, a match where a majority of their side were unavailable for selection. They are also coming off of the season’s biggest win last week, knocking off Chinchilla by 276 points. University have not lost since Round 4 and have taken top spot on the Allied Pickfords Cup ladder, including an impressive 100 point win over finals hopefuls Goondiwindi last weekend.
Both sides love to play a fast running brand of football, suggesting whichever team can lock down in defence and kick straight will come out with the 4 points. University are the bigger side and will look to be assertive from the first bounce and snuff out any chance of Dalby’s youngsters getting their tails up.
Finals Implications:
- Dalby must win one of the next 2 matches against the top 2 sides to remain in the hunt for a finals berth. Percentage may also be key, so if a loss is evident, running out the game and minimising the damage is crucial.
- University must win each of the next two matches by an equal or greater margin than Coolaroo to take out the minor premiership.
Coolaroo Roos v South Toowoomba Bombers @ Gold Park
Last Time: Round 3: South Toowoomba 4.7 (31) lt Coolaroo 13.15 (93)
Two powerhouses of the competition, both sitting inside the top 4. This would normally be touted as the match of the round, yet given recent performances Coolaroo are expected to get up and by quite some margin. South Toowoomba’s troubles first began with a string of injuries to key players, but have been exacerbated now that an early end to the season seems likely. The club will have to look to their youth to try and provide a spark if they want to challenge the high-flying Roos. Coolaroo will be celebrating Old Boys Day, the biggest on their social calendar and will look to take no prisoners.
The best defensive set in the competition belongs to Coolaroo, something which opposition sides struggle to work through. If South Toowoomba are to get on top, they will have to backfeed the football from packs (something they do exceptionally well) and use precision skills to pierce through the Roos defense.
Finals Implications:
- South Toowoomba currently sit 4th but face the top 2 sides (like Dalby) in the final 2 rounds. Given their superior percentage one win should be just enough to make the top 5 provided they don’t get smashed in the other match.
- Coolaroo need to restrict South Toowoomba’s scoring if they are to catch University’s percentage. They have to defeat Dalby & South Toowoomba by around 200 points more than University do to take top spot.
Goondiwindi Hawks v South Burnett Saints @ Riddles Oval
Last Time: Round 3: South Burnett 10.14 (74) lt Goondiwindi 19.19 (133)
Can the Hawks complete the most unlikely story of 2013? They finished 2012 on the bottom of the ladder with just one win, but have already notched 8 victories this season. Last time these sides played, Goondiwindi travelled all day, won the match comfortably and then had bus troubles on the way home which saw them arrive back in town at 6am on Sunday. The Saints are coming off by far their biggest victory in their history and confidence will be sky high as they look for 3 wins to complete their inaugural season.
Goondiwindi are significantly stronger at home and will look to rebound from last week’s devastating loss to University. Their sheer size should see them take the points over a relatively small Saints side. Contested footy will be an interesting marker for the day and if the Saints want to win, they have to keep the ball out of the hands of Goondiwindi’s midfielders.
Finals Implications:
- Goondiwindi HAS to win to have a chance at making the finals, no ifs or buts about it. Their percentage suffered due to last week’s big loss and they have to rely on Dalby & South Toowoomba not causing an upset to sneak into 5th spot.
Warwick Redbacks v Highfields Lions @ Roddies Oval
Last Time: Round 1: Highfields 10.13 (73) lt Warwick 11.11 (77)
Warwick is expected to get the points in this matchup, far more comfortably than their opening encounter. Highfields are looking towards the final siren as a lack of player numbers starts to take its toll. The Lions have barely let out a yelp in the past couple of weeks, recording just 17 scoring shots, a mark Warwick doubled in their last match 3 weeks ago against the Demons.
For Highfields to have a chance in this match, they have to work hard in the first quarter to catch the Redbacks off guard. The Reddies haven’t played in 3 weeks and may be a bit rusty. If the Lions can get some confidence up before the Redbacks spin their web, maybe an upset could be on the cards.
Finals Implications:
- Warwick currently sit in 6th due to an inferior percentage to Dalby & South Toowoomba. If results go as expected they will jump into 4th come the end of the season (and after this weekend). They will have to try and gain some percentage this weekend to provide some insurance should the Swans or Bombers cause an upset.
Toowoomba Tigers v Lockyer Valley Demons @ Rockville Oval
Last Time: Round 10: Lockyer Valley 3.1 (19) lt Tigers 17.21 (123)
This match is expected to go in favour of the Tigers relatively comfortably. The Tigers have been slipping under the radar given the runaway leads of Coolaroo & University, however the Tigers are locked away in 3rd spot just going about their business. The Demons will be keen to show 2013 is still an improvement on last season, by a strong showing in their final 2 matches of the season. For this to happen they probably have to set themselves up this weekend for a serious tilt at next week’s match versus the struggling Lions.
Finals Implications:
- Only upset losses in both of their next two matches will see the Tigers drop out of 3rd spot.
Last Modified on 25/08/2013 11:30
