Dalby have the luxury of a week’s break after coming from behind in their qualifying semi-final encounter against the Saints 2 weeks ago to record a 16 point victory while South Burnett have been the most consistent performing team in the Division 2 competition this season and backed that up with a solid 4 goal victory over the Lions last weekend.
Both these sides have had endured a mid-sized hiatus since their last premiership with Kingaroy defeating Coolaroo for the Division 2 flag back in 2001 and Dalby last lifting the silverware against Goondiwindi in 1995 (Division 2).
The Saints should have more experience under their belt in the big games with the majority of their side playing in last year’s grand final loss to University. The Saints will be buoyed by the age old footballing adage of ‘you need to lose a grand final before you win one’ and will look to use the experienced gained from 2014 in Saturdays main game. For Dalby it’s a case of don’t change a winning formula as the Swans have shown steady improvement throughout the season and are peaking at the optimum time.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS THIS SEASON
QF, 2015: Dalby 12.14 (86) def. Sth Burnett 10.10 (70)
Rd13, 2015: Sth Burnett 12.9 (81) def. Dalby 9.9 (63)
Rd11, 2015: Sth Burnett 17.15 (117) def. Dalby 10.9 (69)
KEY MATCH UPS
Adam Bowater V Sam Rockliff – Saints skipper Bowater is one of the smartest on ballers in the competition, he might not be the tallest or the quickest but his footballing brain is first class. Bowater has the ability to win the ball inside and release his running players around him making him a vital cog in the Saints wheel. Swans hard nut Cameron Doherty played an effective tagging role on Bowater in the second half of the qualifying final between these 2 sides and it will be interesting to see if this is a tactic that the Swans employ from the opening bounce on Saturday. Sam Rockliff is a former Swans junior who has experienced great success and played a big part in numerous finals campaigns for the Swans. Stepping up to the plate in a senior grand final won’t faze this classy midfielder who can hurt you on the outside with his pace and delivery. Rockliff’s meters gained stat is one of the most effective in the entire competition.
Mike Gaur V Ty Snow – This battle looms as potentially the most pivotal across all match ups this weekend. Saints forward Ty Snow has forged a strong reputation as a multiple goal kicker and has had another super season up forward with 52 goals this year including 6 in the last clash between these 2 sides. The move of 2015 Division 2 best and fairest winner Mike Gaur to Snow in the late stages of this game certainly helped the Swans gained the ascendancy in this match. Both players possess tremendous skill & let me tell you this match up, if it eventuates, will certainly be one to watch.
Brad Edwards V Jack Rockliff – Expect these two players to crash and bash into contests as they have done all season. Both players have the ability to play in multiple positions but you would expect them to both have stints in the midfield and up forward during this match. These players are two of the most courageous players in the competition and will put their bodies on the line for the team. If they match up on each other, it will be a mouth-watering match up.
Last Modified on 16/05/2017 09:34