Port Melbourne will be flying the flag for Victoria this weekend when they take on the South Adelaide Panthers in the Foxtel Cup Qualifying Finals.
The Borough disposed of the Northern Territory Thunder by 88 points in their initial Cup clash in Darwin, causing many to tout them as competition favourites.
However, Port Melbourne must overcome South Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday before they can be considered premiership contenders.
The Panthers caused the upset of the series in their first match over a month ago by defeating reigning champions Williamstown. Port Melbourne can take comfort from the fact that Williamstown were not fielding their normal side, instead choosing to provide numerous Development League players with the opportunity to strut their stuff.
Port Melbourne coach, Gary Ayres adopted a similar approach in their first match and plans to continue the tactic this weekend.
“We will change the line up somewhat but also reward the players who won in Darwin and use this match to put more game time into Bentick, Pinwill and Francis who have had interrupted preparations and obviously there is the chance to play on the famous MCG.”
Port Melbourne’s first contest in the Foxtel Cup saw the introduction of Sam O’Sullivan into the senior side. Sam made the most of his opportunity, kicking seven goals for the day which resulted in his elevation in the Peter Jackson VFL to the senior side.
“The concept and opportunity that is presented in the Foxtel Cup is great for young players like Sam and his performance in Darwin certainly put pressure on the match committee to play him and he has now played 3 senior games as a result and we certainly hope he becomes a regular senior player with the Borough.”
Ayres believes that Saturday will provide his players with a thrilling experience, one that he has been privy to throughout his career.
“There is no doubt that the famous MCG is the best ground to play on especially in finals and I know that the players are very keen to experience what not many footballers get to do. It is a pity we are not playing in a Grand Final but we will take this opportunity gladfully to play against South Adelaide.”
Port Melbourne will be looking for a tight battle leading into their tough challenge in Round 14 against the Sandringham Zebras.
“Sandy has been in very good form recently and we know that each game we play is always about reaching that next level of performance as a team and knowing that the evenness of the VFL means you have to attempt to play at your very best consistently,” Ayres said.
If Port Melbourne is successful this weekend, they will graduate onto the Semi-Finals where they will meet Claremont. The Claremont Tigers will provide the Borough with their largest test yet in the competition, as 2011 saw the Tigers become both Premiers of the WAFL and Runners-up in the Foxtel Cup.
Match and Venue information
Port Melbourne Borough (VFL) vs South Adelaide Panthers (SANFL)
11:30am – Saturday 23rd June
Melbourne Cricket Ground
BROADCAST: 11:30am FOX FOOTY LIVE
Car parking
- Spectators can also park through Gate 7 off Brunton Avenue for a cost of $10.
- Please note that the Gate 3 car park will also be open to the public from 7.00am.
Spectator entry
- Admission for the match will be FREE.
- Spectators can enter the ground from 11.15am through Gate 6.
- All spectators are to leave the venue as soon as the match finishes.
Last Modified on 22/06/2012 11:44