South Toowoomba V University Cougars
First Bounce: 3:15pm
The South Toowoomba Bombers face off against the University Cougars in Saturdays Allied Pickfords Cup grand final for 2016. Both teams have had fantastic seasons but it has been the Bombers who have really stood out going through to this point without dropping a game, a feat not accomplished in over a decade on the Downs. Take nothing away from University as they have challenged South Toowoomba in every game played this season while doing damage of their own to all other opponents along the way.
South Toowoomba have not played in a senior men’s grand final since 2012 and haven’t won a flag on the Downs since 2008 while it’s also been some time since University lifted the cup with their last victory coming in 2007. Both teams have been on the big stage many times over the last decade so you could argue that they are the sentimental favourites for Saturday’s main game where the drought will be broken by one of these teams. The Bombers hold a slight edge over the Cougars winning all 3 encounters this season included a 35 point victory in their semi-final clash 2 weeks ago and a 36 point win 1 month back. Will these victories have a psychological bearing in Saturday’s game? The Cougars will no doubt give all they have to make sure it’s not a concern but the bookies would have to start Souths as favourites going into this game.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS 2015
2nd SF, 2016: South Toowoomba 14.13 (97) def. University 9.8 (62) – 35 points
Rd15, 2016: South Toowoomba 14.8 (92) def. University 8.8 (56) – 36 points
Rd1, 2016: South Toowoomba 10.8 (68) def. University 10.7 (67) – 1 point
KEY MATCH UPS
Rick Mackay V Emmett Bourke – This will be an intriguing matchup as Mackay provided many headaches for the bombers defence in their semi-final clash a fortnight ago forcing Souths centre half forward Bourke back to defence. Bourke nullified Mackay’s influence on the game in the second half and he will need to be at his best on the weekend again as Mackay possesses a strong option for the cougars forward raids.
Ashley Harley V Troy Rissman – The battle of the running midfielders will be important, both players are possession winners for their respective teams but they do go about their trade in differing manners. Harley is a genuine inside midfielder and will look to win contested ball and distribute to his more polished team mates while Rissman is the go to man for the Bombers on the outside as his decision making and usage by foot being at an elite level. If either of these players start to dominate possession it could spell disaster for their opposing team.
Sam Banim V Jake Norley – The Bombers have been quick to try and lock down explosive forward Sam Banim and his influence on the game in recent encounters and young Jake Norley has been saddled with this difficult task. You could argue that these players have shared the points in previous encounters this season but today is the game that matters and Banims ability to hit the scoreboard will be huge for the Cougars if he can find a way to break the hard Norley tag.
Last Modified on 07/09/2016 13:56
