All roads lead to Kyancutta for the start of the 2017 finals series and afterwards to recognise the League’s Best and Fairest.
The dream ends for one side this weekend, whilst the winner enjoys a weeks rest as their Preliminary Final opponent is being decided. Winter rains back during the week, the big Kyancutta oval will be in excellent condition, close games expected in all grades.
A Grade
Western Districts (3rd) vs Elliston (4th)
The statistics
Head to Head in 2017
Round Three Tigers by 22 points at Minnipa
Round Eight Tigers by 40 points at Elliston
Round Thirteen Tigers by 10 points at Poochera
Mid West Finals History
Western Districts All finals played 16 finals won 7
1st Semi finals played 6 1st Semis won 3
Elliston All finals played 29 finals won 14
1st Semi finals played 10 1st Semis won 4
Neither side has ever played a final at Kyancutta.
The Tigers have held sway in 2017 although most recently by a narrow margin of ten points only. Both sides missed finals in 2016 but have delivered on their early promise of improvement, Districts having a well balanced side most of the year, 38 players have played A Grade. Elliston have coped with change brought about by injury, absence, unavailability, 52 players have played A Grade.
At home, both Roosters and Tigers handed out spankings to sides below them last week, things will be much harder this week. A few injury concerns to both clubs, but near full lists are likely.
The Districts boys celebrated 100 years of Minnipa football last week, a stirling effort against the Bombers, and as important, the weekend’s commemorative functions has served to bond the current team on the eve of the finals. Scott Feltus is a master tactician and will have plans for the Roosters! Concern over Zane Montgomerie and Ken Newcombe sore from last week but they will play. Brodie Falciani played his best game for the season last week and will be a big key around the ball this week. Captain Shannon Horgan and Scott Feltus head a classy mid field, with plenty of running options such as Kirk Hull, Riley King ad Charlie Williams. Sam Beare is another understood to have come up sore last week and he is important to the shut down defence that the Tigers do so well. Thomas Cash and Kade Gill are effective talls, Thomas Lee and Zane Montgomerie both teams leaders now, with a sprinkling of young talent such as Steve Brands and Josh Horgan. Disciplined football is the key, valuing the football and hitting targets, the Kyancutta venue will hold no fears for the Tigers.
Roosters have long threatened to challenge long and deep into the finals, they possess an adrenaline filled fast scoring potential that quickly seals games for them, these bursts usually last 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Will the Tigers be able to contain these when they inevitably present?
Back to the side will be Del Miller and Ben Hurrell, big ins for an already in form outfit! Jay Williams a few weeks match fitness following his offshore odyssey, Big man Andrew Mc Leod returned in recent weeks, Matt Bascomb recovered from a serious ankle earlier in the season, the cards are just starting to fall in to place at Roosterland. Adding to the above, the core of this side is a serious list, Guy Hutchison, Adam Hurrell, Ross Bascomb, Liam Newton, Brody Kenny, Tom Rumbelow. All ahave finals experience and in fantastic form. Brad Fisk is an excitement machine in the ruck, the big final stage will suit him, and Steve Paul provides a great option either key forward or back roles. Dylan Williams has been a star all year. Youngsters Gorn Tree, Matthew Reeves and Ree Martin get their first taste of a well earned A Grade final.
This match up should be a cracker and hard to pick a winner. If the game stays tight it may better suit the Tigers, but if it becomes a shoot out, the Roosters have the edge. Tom Rumbelow will be called on for a bag, and Jack Shanley must equally hit the scoreboard at the Tigers sharp end! Some of these games have become hard physical encounters, so discipline will be a key, penalties hurt so much more in finals. No certainty either way here.
Roosters 1 – 10
Reserves
Western Districts (3rd) vs Wirrulla (4th)
Grand Final combatants in 2015, the current three consecutive premiers – Bombers take on a surging Western Districts side. The lead in has seen the proud Wirrulla team limping to the finals, whilst the Districts boys have risen from the ashes of early player shortage to become a real threat to the premiership. Don’t trust this form though, the past three premierships have been convincing and if anyone can lift the flagging hopes of the Bombers, it is their coach, cunning old fox Andrew Patterson.
Districts will play their genuine list with the A Grade also fronting, but this is quite a confronting team filled with A Grade experience. Damon O Loughlin-King, Jesse Hull, Jerel Fromm, Matt Carey, Nathan Hebbermann have been stars of the A Grade in the past and leading the Tigers charge here. In excellent form has been Tim Mc Ardle, coach Cam Parker, Ben Raven and Adam Miller. They are playing a skilled style of fast football, free scoring and team oriented.
Wirrulla is well accustomed to finals challenges, they love it. No nuisance A Grade coach to deal with at selection table, so expect a stronger Bombers this week. Craig Johnson is a huge forward target and takes handling, Shaun Kelsall, Kieran Patterson and Clint Mortimer week in and week out performers. Troy Olsen loves the big stage and looms as a huge danger to the Tigers. Milton Holmes and Judd Evans well acquainted with higher finals pressure, and Ethan Greatbatch enjoying a great year, Shane Pittaway likely to return from A Grade duty, and Tyron Fox adds poise and experience.
The Bombers have the players but the greater concern has been the level of fitness, injury and availability throughout the year. The Tigers take in the form, and the incentive to avenge past finals defeats at the hands of the premiers
Tigers 20 -30
Colts
Wudinna United (3rd) v Wirrulla (4th)
Both teams come off of excellent seasons, and will feel that they have improved as the season progressed. Despite younger players in both sides, talent abounds.
Wudinna United are lead by Ryan Lymn and Riley Martin, speed and skill. Phoenix Foster reads the play so well, along with Ezra Foster pick up plenty of the footy. Josh Moses is new to the game but has adapted quickly to be a valuable part of this team. Jack Petty and Brad Lymn set up Magpie scores. The young Maggies team well together.
The Bombers will look to Mac and Darci Best, both former Magpies, the strength and work rate of Jai Holmes, stars of the future Tait Johnson and Jesse Pittaway. Will key forward Andre Kelsh be available, along with Jack Kelsh, could well make the long trek back from college. Plenty to look forward to at the Hanger and these fellas play with enthusiasm and pride for the Guernsey.
Expect a close one to start the day with so much resting on college returnees for both sides.
Magpies 20 – 30
Last Modified on 16/08/2017 22:35