The prize for the winning today’s second semi-final at Seymour is gigantic for both sides.
It gives the participants, Benalla and Kyabram, that something extra going into the grand final at The D on Sunday, September 28.
Last season, the Saints went out of the finals in straight sets, this season they are into the second semi with the chance of going into the grand final and a week’s rest which will give them the chance to fulfil their dream of becoming champions and premiers.
In the first semi-final last season, the Saints fairytale finished, this season they have strung together 19 wins in a row and given themselves the chance of going into the grand final and collecting the ultimate prize.
On the other hand, Kyabram the reigning premiers give themselves the chance of winning back to back premierships for the first time in 85 years.
I doubt if veteran coach, Dave WILLIAMS will be worried about back to back flags, he’s a cool calculator who will be concentrating on winning this year’s premiership and if there is a bonus, so be it.
The Professor, Luke MORGAN wants his Class of 2014 to finish in the winner’s circle and he has his pupils finely tuned to do just that.
This is a totally new ball game this season; however, the Saints will remember it was the Bombers who first put them on shaky ground in last season'S second elimination final, while the Swans delivered the coup de grace.
The Swans just about did the job again at Mansfield on Saturday and they will be kicking themselves for missing opportunities to go into the second semi and not the first semi against Tatura tomorrow at Kyabram.
It was a classic example of bad kicking is bad football and if the Swans don’t get on target again tomorrow against the Bulldogs, it will be all over red rover.
There is no doubt the Saints missed Will MARTINELLO’s drive out of the middle against the Swans and they know only too well they will have to lift again today in the middle to beat the Bombers and the champ, Paul NEWMAN who kicked six goals and something like five behinds.
Once again he overcame injury and time out to help the Bombers advance to the second semi and today he will do it again against the Saints who will be forced to work overtime to restrict him from kicking goals and going into the grand final.
NEWMAN at his best and the Bombers win back to back flags, make no mistake about that with the Saints second and the Swans third.
Having said that, I’m not discarding the Bulldogs who could tip them all out if they bring their best to the table and that includes veteran on baller, Paul KIRBY being at his most destructive. Without a fully fit KIRBY the Bulldogs will find it hard to get over the Swans because Mitch BELL will dominate the following division.
What a weekend of footy. I can’t see a blow out in any game, then again I never saw the Tigers capitulating like they did on Sunday.
The crowds have been good and I expect to see plenty of spectators at Seymour today and Kyabram tomorrow.
Last Modified on 28/03/2015 19:34