Riddles Oval will be the place to head to for Round 8 Allied Pickford's Cup action as Goondiwindi (6th) host the 5th placed Highfields Lions.
With the 4th placed Bombers in free-fall both the Hawks and Lions will place this match up as an important fixture in the make-up of their 2014 season. The last time these two sides met was back in round 6 last season in a see-sawing affair.
The Hawks flew out of the blocks with a 6 goal to 3 opening term but the Lions roared back into the contest keeping Goondiwindi goal-less in the second term and booting 4 of their own. It was an arm wrestle for the remainder of the game with each side going blow for blow but it was the Hawks who prevailed by a hard fought 13-points.
Fast forward 12months from that encounter, both sides sit in similar positions on the ladder.
Highfields have recruited well over the off-season to bolster their playing stocks and coaching staff and look a much improved outfit in 2014. With cult-figure Milo (Miels Grice) at the helm, the Lions have been able to bring in bigger bodies to their midfielder and have bled exciting youngsters in Trent Masters and Josh Adams.
Both Adams and Masters have been consistent contributors in Highfields 3 and 3 start to the 2014 season.
For Goondiwindi Jeremy Leahy has been the standout Hawk and steps up to the plate in the close contests, proven last week in the Hawks come from behind win against the Bombers. Though they have a few unsung heroes, who fly under the radar, due to the likes of Millard, Leahy, O'Toole, Jardine and co.
Players like Townsend, veteran Scoble and young gun McLaughlin, don't get the recognition they deserve but the unnoticed trio don't mind as they go about their business.
The Hawks biggest weapon however isn't any individual player but their spread of goal-kickers. They have five of the competitions top twenty goal-kickers, the most out of any club in the Allied Pickford's Cup.
If Highfields win they have the potential to slip into the top 4, if the Hawks are to prevail they will create a log jam from 4th to 6th.
In the other games for Round 8, the premiership favourites Warwick Redback's face South Toowoomba in Sunday afternoon footy at Reddies Oval.
Reigning Premiers Coolaroo face Lockyer Valley at Bridgman Oval in Pittsworth and University are looking to go four in a row as they face the Toowoomba Tigers at home.
Click here for the full fixture for Round 8 action.
Last Modified on 06/06/2014 08:50
