A one sided domination on Saturday and a last quarter goal fest on Sunday partnered the near-record crowds and Spring sunshine of the first week of the 2013 Netafim Finals Series. Sam Saracino takes a look at this weeks semi final action.
Saturday 7 September at AVENEL
TIME
|
AGE GROUP
|
MATCH (1 v 2)
|
10 : 15
|
Under 18
|
Lancaster v Nagambie
|
12 : 05
|
Reserves
|
Undera v Murchison
|
14 : 05
|
Seniors
|
Murchison v Merrigum
|
2nd Semi Final: Saturday 7 September – Murchison (1st) v Merrigum (2nd) at Avenel. 2.05pm start
The moment of truth has arrived for these two clubs. Both are striving to end long-standing premiership droughts with Murchison last tasting ultimate success in 1982 and Merrigum triumphant in 1990. Both teams have had outstanding seasons where they finished one and two with a 16-2 win-loss record.
Murchison’s climb up the ladder has been built off the back of making it through to week two of the finals last year. The Grasshoppers’ extra improvement has come through the likes of recruits Anthony Mellington (74 goals), Luke Chapman, Chris Cullinan, Geremie Ganino, John Shiels and Gerard Bence.
Merrigum will play finals for the first time since the turn of the – 2000. The Bulldogs have improved with the inclusion of the likes of Ramadan Yze, Shane Sali, Daniel Dryden and Mitch Younger. All these guys were part of the team that finished off the 2012 season as one of the best performed units.
Christian Barnett and Steve Reeves will implore their respective troops to do the basics well and then they will hope some of their X-factor players like James Milne (Murchison) and McNamara Medallist Josh Pell (Merrigum) shine when the game goes up a gear.
The teams played once during the season on a very wet winter’s day and the Bulldogs came from behind to inflict the Grasshoppers’ first loss of the season. A lot has changed from their June 1 meeting and so have the teams that will run out on Saturday. I was extremely impressed with what I saw at Violet Town in round 20 from Murchison and it is for that reason I am tipping the 1982 premier to be the first team in to the Grand Final on September 21.
Sunday 8 September at STANHOPE
TIME
|
AGE GROUP
|
MATCH (E1 v E2)
|
10 : 15
|
Under 18
|
Violet Town v Tallygaroopna
|
12 : 05
|
Reserves
|
Avenel v Stanhope
|
14 : 05
|
Seniors
|
Stanhope v Nagambie
|
1st Semi Final: Sunday 8 September – Stanhope v Nagambie at Stanhope. 2:05pm start
Nagambie dumped the reigning premier from this year’s premiership race after an impressive last quarter effort last week. Stanhope, on the other hand, were equally as impressive against a very disappointing and outclassed Lancaster. The Maroons came out and dismantled the Wombats with the game ended as a contest by quarter time.
The last meeting at Stanhope between the teams resulted in a convincing win for the Lakers. Linc Sullivan and his vibrant young list won’t fear playing at Stanhope. However a lot has changed since that contest. Brenton Gray, Matt Johnson, Adam Auld and the Bendigo Gold pair Steve Stroobants and Tom Hams didn’t play in that game. They will be all playing this week along with the likes of Matt Trist, Jarrod Mason, Jack Young, Luke Edwards, Hayden Durston and Justin Williams who all fired against the Wombats.
Nagambie ran past Violet Town in the last quarter and their fitness base will test the Maroons. Players like Tyrone Muir, Ben Hutton, Michael Shiels, Mitchell Sanderson, Jackson Hutton and Sam Collins all starred for the Lakers while the goals were kicked by Brett Connors, Mathew Waterson and Daniel Haysom.
For mine I lean towards the team that has won 16 games from a possible 18 games. Nagambie will fight right to the end but I do like Stanhope to advance to the Preliminary Final.
Last Modified on 16/12/2014 10:13