The finals series is finally here with two cracking matches to be played at Blacktown ISP this weekend.
Pennant Hills Demons vs Manly Warringah Giants – Blacktown ISP - Saturday 4.15pm
The Qualifying Final has been all but set in stone for the past month.
Pennant Hills are coming off a strong win over North Shore last weekend and after a disappointing result their previous game, Chris Yard would have been happy with the way his side played with the Demons having 12 individual goal kickers. Captain Matt Carey was strong up forward again, kicking four goals and being named best on ground.
Manly Warringah also had a comfortable win last Saturday, defeating UNSW/ES at Weldon Oval. Brayden Fowler wasn’t able to kick the eight goals he needed for the Stan Milton, being double teamed for most of the day but he still showed his class to kick four goals.
Pennant Hills have had the wood over last years premiers in both their encounters in 2015. In Round 2, the Demons claimed a 7 point win and then in the return leg in Round 12, they came from behind to win by 6 points.
KEY MATCHUP: Connor Pettersson vs Damian Dell’Aquilla
Both Pettersson and Dell’Aquilla are in and under ball winners for their respective sides. Both teams will be looking to get first use out of the middle and these two players will be influential in doing that.
Prediction: Giants by 12 points
St George Dragons v Sydney University – Blacktown ISP- Sunday 3.30pm
A repeat of last years 1st Semi Final, the Students will look to turn the tables on the Dragons who eliminated them from last years final series.
The Dragons will be full of confidence coming into this weekends game, having won their last three and also having defeated Sydney University twice already this year. Blake Guthrie was superb last week and he will need to maintain that form until seasons end if the Dragons won’t to make a charge towards the premiership.
Sydney University have struggled of late losing their three of their last four matches including a loss to bottom four side UTS last weekend. The Students were outplayed in most facets last week and they would’ve been keen to find some form on the training track in the past week. Glenn Smith and Jake Swarts will be important in the back half for the Students.
KEY MATCHUP: Jordan West vs Aron Everett
The ruck battle will play a pivotal part of this contest . After missing the first half of the season, West has been superb for the Dragons while Everett has been a consistent performer over the past couple of seasons. Whoever gets the first tap at the centre bounces will push their side in the right direction.
Prediction: Dragons by 36 points
Last Modified on 04/09/2015 13:25
