This week’s very exciting Match of the Round is apparent for a few reasons, notwithstanding that the both teams involved occupy first and second on the ladder, and are the possible Grand Finalists for this season, but also because these same two teams played off in the 1998 Grand Final, at Rogers Oval, the home of the Swans, in what was a dominating season for the Swans, who were the eventual winners over the Hawks on the day, and the 1998 Champions of the Mackay AFL.
This week’s game marks the fifteen year reunion of that game between the two sides, and many of the players from the Swans 1998 Premiership senior side, including the coach Jason Paul, who has travelled up from Tasmania for the celebration, as well a few other "Old Boys " who will be in attendance, at what the Swans have planned, as a very big day, and perhaps an even bigger night.
Undefeated and on top of the ladder the Swans are keen to win this game and claim a dominance over their traditional rivals going into the run to the finals, and it is clear that emotions will be running high during the weeks build up, and it is expected that Coach Brad McLaren will have his hands full trying to channel that emotion onto the field.
Brad said this week that he will have a few missing, however as his side has all but secured either first or second spot going into the finals, he was not that concerned about the celebrations honouring the fifteen year milestone, and while his side do rate the Hawks highly, they have accounted for them already this season, and fully expect to do so again.
Brad said that while winning during the home and away was good, until they ( Swans ) prove themselves in the finals, it could all be for nothing, and his lads are fully aware they still have the job in front of them.
Brad mentioned his midfield as well as his backline to figure in the action, and it is through these two lines that he expects to get the drive to the forward line.
He also said he was very happy with his sides improvement and consistency this season.
Over at the Hawks stronghold coach David Johnstone said that while he remembers that his side was beaten ( by the Swans ) at their last encounter, he as a coach learnt a lot, and has put some of those lessons to the test during this week’s training, he also said he has been looking forward to this game, as it can be a good measure as to how his side has improved against the side leading the competition, and fully expects to see his boys come out firing at the first bounce.
Dave said the possible windy conditions suits the Hawks style of play, and he may well have a few surprises up his sleeve with his game plan, while also saying that he has a bigger squad to select from this week, as opposed the undermanned side who played them at the last encounter.
Dave said that he was very aware of the week’s celebrations over at the Swans, due to the fifteen year anniversary, and was keen to have history not repeat itself this week.
This should be a great match, and I hope we get a great crowd along to appreciate it.
Other games this weekend are The Bakers Creek Tigers at home at Etwell Park to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles, whose season is just falling away before them, and the third match is the clash between the North Mackay Saints against the Northern Beaches Magpies, at the home of the Saints, Zeolla Park in Nth Mackay.
We are again blessed with great weather, so get the family together and get along to the footy being played, right here in town, and cheer your favourite team at a game where, the big men fly!
Last Modified on 26/07/2013 10:09