The all conquering Hawks take on their regular challenger of recent years the Bulldogs. Hawks have won all three match ups this year, only a goal in it round one, but more since then. The Bulldogs appear to still be experimenting with line ups somewhat, it will be interesting to see where the big veterans Wade O Brien and Kane Sampson start. Most recently both in defence, but both have been called forward when the game is in the balance and a lift is needed.
Both sides mid fields ooze class, The Hawks have Mail Medallist Dillon Montgomerie, Dylan Kelsh, Nick Schumann, Aiden Whitford, Dale Montgomerie, Joe Danis. Regular first touch in the ruck and speed enough to make it count to Hawks advantage. The ‘Dogs no slouches either, Jesse Stringer, Jared Sampson, Jake Sampson, Jake Bruce, Brett Mc Comb among the very best in the League. Last game careless turnovers cost the Bulldogs big time, a point very much noted by the brain trust at the club, and an aspect that will be worked on.
The key the Hawks has been their leg speed and sheer willingness to work for each other. The Bulldogs must break hard when they create turnovers and get the ball quickly forward. Hawks Kirk Montgomerie, Tyson Montgomerie, Damien Johnson are seasoned campaigners, errant kicks are quickly swung to Hawks advantage from defence. Corey Cabot goal sense will come to the fore, he needs minding. Ty McKenna must fire and have the Hawks chasing him, he kicks long goals and plays anywhere, Lachlan Heath has games under his belt since a mid season layoff, and his drive is needed for the Centrals win.
Very hard to pick against an undefeated Hawks, but this match will be much closer. West Coast Hawks have come to grief before going to Grand Final undefeated, and this point wont be lost in opposition minds! Maybe the real incentive is not to have to face a very dangerous looking Wirrulla in the Preliminary Final. Expect a good crowd, good conditions and a great match with a grand final berth on the line.
Wirrulla will be in action against the Hawks in the reserves, with the Hawks holding a 2 to 1 win advantage against each other. The Bombers finished the season slowly, dropping games that they will be disappointed with, but are the reigning premiers, wont be taken lightly. The Hawks have the benefit of young legs with speed and fitness. Their end of season form in the reserves has been great, and they deserve warm favouritism here.
In the colts, Wudinna United are also undefeated, taking on the West Coast Hawks who have been improving against them at each outing. Both sides have talls and runners, the Magpies maybe an edge in body size. The Wudinna United side have plenty of goal scoring avenues, which will challenge Hawks defensively and will start favourites for first entry to the Grand Final.
For those who are statistically minded, Finals results along with teams venue records are attached here in pdf. Interesting to note that both A Grade teams have imposing 2nd Semi Final win/loss records, but they cant both win this week, and no draws allowed!
Last Modified on 13/02/2016 00:56
