MERRIGUM v STANHOPE
The season for one of these teams will be done and dusted around 4.30 pm on Sunday.
It will mean that one of last year’s grand finalists can start planning for 2017.
Both teams dished up contrasting performances – with Stanhope having to call on all of their class in the last quarter to shake off a determined Tallygaroopna in the first elimination final while the reigning premier produced a dominant second half display to end the aspirations of Violet Town.
Stanhope coach Brenton Gray will be demanding an improved effort from his boys after struggling to string together four consistent quarters during the past fortnight.
He will also have to possibly make a couple of changes to the team that accounted for Tallygaroopna, with Simon Collis and Jesse Olsen needing to overcome leg injuries to play in this cut-throat final.
One player likely to return is Dylan Moncur who has missed the past few weeks with a hamstring injury.
Alex O’Reilly could also be a chance to sneak back into the team along with “Hooda” Gray.
For Merrigum, coach, Christian Barnett will be desperate to get back into the team to face the Lions while there could be a few others pushing to return.
This will be a cracking game of football and it will come down to who can make the most of their opportunities.
Last weekend, Stanhope was outstanding on every occasion it went inside forward 50 as was Merrigum.
These sides clashed very late in the season and victory for the Bulldogs will give them the confidence they can get to the second last week of the finals.
Recent meetings
Stanhope 31.14.200 d Merrigum 5.5.35 – Round 4, 2016
Merrigum 15.7.97 d Stanhope 4.7.31 – Round 17, 2016
Merrigum 11.9.75 d Stanhope 8.2.50 – GF, 2015
Merrigum 13.19.97 d Stanhope 6.5.41 – Round 10, 2015
AVENEL v NAGAMBIE
Many are predicting that these two teams will play off in the grand final this season.
Don’t tell that to Nagambie coach Linc Sullivan as his team will be focussing on making amends for losing to Avenel twice this season.
He will also be mindful that his Lakers didn’t have the best of finals series in 2015, going out in straight sets.
He knows no team will hand you victory on a platter.
Finals victories are earnt and Avenel coach Donald Stirling knows that.
He will be looking to the likes of best and fairest Kasey Duncan, Michael Morgan, Scott Tyers and Michael McKenzie to provide the drive to ensure the Swans can create another slice of history.
The Lakers have a number of players remaining from their 2014 success and they remain as hungry to rectify the wrongs of 2015.
Sullivan faces a selection dilemma as to whether he brings Pat Rattray into the team after his six goals in the reserves last weekend.
There are also a number of other players who pressed their claims for a call-up to the senior team.
Recent meetings
Avenel 15.7.97 d Nagambie 12.20.92 – Round 7, 2016
Avenel 14.13.97 d Nagambie 11.7.73 – Round 20, 2016
Nagambie 11.13.79 d Avenel 7.14.56 – Round 6, 2015
Nagambie 16.19.115 d Avenel 12.7.79 – Round 19, 2015
Last Modified on 30/08/2016 09:51