#DontGoQuietly
Dee's and Lions ready to rumble
Highfields Lions and Lockyer Valley Demons will kick off the 2014 AFL Darling Downs final series in the McDonald's Trophy Elimination Final at Gold Park.
With the ledged at one win each for the season; this is another game where you have to flip a coin to pick the winner. Both sides boast impressive players and future stars but this final will come down to an even team contribution across four quarters.
However, the Lions and Dee's will be looking for their star power to continue their fantastic seasons.
Lockyer Valley star duo Ethan Shipston and Justus Liddicoat have had terrific seasons and at times have torn opposition sides apart on their own boots. Though the Demons have a player that has flown under the radar all season, with Shipston and Liddicoat taking the spot light.
Seth Jones has been one of the Lockyer Valley Demons most consistent players this season and for coach Michael May, Jones has done what has been asked of him. Jones may not have the flare and x-factor of the Demons star duo but what he has is consistency, something that is needed in finals footy.
For the Lions, Jayden Lawson and Deklan Branson have had superb season and the have been a big factor in Highfield's third place regular season finish and their 10-5 record for the year.
Finals are all about the big stage players and the Lions have that exact player at their disposal. Forward come late season midfielder Riley Ernst, is leading the Lions goal-kicker tally but it is his ability to bring his team-mates into the contest which Highfields value so much.
A possible match-up is Ernst vs. Jones (LVD), which would be a mouth-watering contest in itself. However, this Elimination Final will come down to whichever side can get the most impact out of the entire 22 on the team sheet.
An interesting contest with the winner set to progress to the Preliminary Final and the unfortunate side that loses, that will be the seasons end.
Match Details
Highfields Lions Vs. Lockyer Valley Demons
9:45am bounce
Gold Park, Toowoomba
Saturday 30th August, 2014
Last three matches
Rd 15, 2014 - Highfields 12.9 (81) def. Lockyer Valley 6.4 (40)
Rd 6, 2014 - Lockyer Valley 10.11 (71) def. Highfields 4.9 (33)
Rd 18, 2013 - Highfields 15.8 (98) def. Lockyer Valley 2.0 (12)
Game Changers
Lockyer Valley - Sam Smith: Agile, quick and very skilful outside player. Likes to carry the footy and can damage opposition sides on the rebound.
Highfields - Theodore Baldock: Tough, in and under midfielder/half back flanker. His work-rate and team orientated attitude, in particular his 1%ers in shepherds, pressure acts etc is first class.
Last Modified on 01/09/2014 11:28
