Benalla has done an outstanding job to back up last year’s drought-breaking premiership success by qualifying for the finals in 2016.
Recently appointed inter-league coach Luke Morgan should be commended for his ability to introduce a number of fresh faces into the line-up from the club’s past two third eighteen premiership teams to offset some of the key departures.
The Saints have found avenues to goals despite losing century goal-kicker Josh Mellington to Albury, while their midfield is still one of the best in the competition.
On the other hand, the Swans have done an outstanding job to qualify for a fourth straight finals campaign.
They have had to cope with the departure of coach Hayden Best to care for his wife, a form slump and some key injuries.
Interim coach Chris Burke and Daniel McIntyre have done an outstanding job to rally the troops late in the year when they looked destined to be a spectator in September.
The victory against Seymour in round 17 was the turning point and then they did just enough to get the four points against United, with Kyabram doing them a favour by beating Echuca to confirm their spot in the top six.
I think at their best the Swans can take up to most sides in the competition, but I think it will be the Saints that get the victory and move through to a second semi-final showdown with the winner of Kyabram versus Rochester.
Last meeting: Benalla 17.11.113 d Swans 10.4.64 on June 18, 2016
Swans last defeated Benalla: The 2014 grand final.
Last Modified on 02/09/2016 10:01