As the end of the season nears, all teams start to focus on finals, the Swans and Hawks are the 100% guaranteed sides at this stage with North Mackay, Magpies and the Bulldogs fighting for the remaining two spots in the finals race.
Of those three sides, North Mackay is the most likely side a punter could back to appear in another finals campaign.
Between the Bulldogs and Magpies, it is a flip of the coin. However Moranbah, who are the reigning premiers are starting to get into their groove and will be a dangerous proposition for any finals side. Moranbah have the bye and will be watching the Bakers Creek and Magpies encounter very closely.
Most tipsters would lean towards the Magpies, though the Tigers only win of season 2015 came against the Magpies and the Tigers are welcoming back a number of star players.
Magpies V Tigers
Magpies Sports Park, 2:45pm – Saturday 1st August
The Mackay Magpies are coming off a disappointing 10-goal loss to the Bulldogs last week and were left licking their wounds, in a game many tipped the black and white to win.
Again the Magpies will be looking to their most consistent in Heath Thiele, Edward Trewin, Jackson Webb and Tyson Craig. The quartet have been superb and a massive key in the Magpies fantastic season.
Forward Brendan Edwards, if fit, will play a massive role down forward with the Magpies key forward is looking to add to his goal-kicking tally since June 20.
For the men from Etwell Park, Timothy Wauchope, James Popperwell and Ashley Ryan have been the most consistent across season 2015 and will again need to continue their run of good form against the Magpies.
The Tigers lack a power key forward and will be looking to either the mentioned Ashley Ryan, Dean Hannon or Robert Philp to hit their straps inside the forward fifty.
An interesting encounter at the Magpies Sports Club in Glenella and one that may not be one-sided as the ladder positions predict.
Hawks V Saints
Harrup Park, 2:45pm – Saturday 1st August
The Allied Pickford’s Cup match of the round should be an epic encounter at the home of footy, Harrup Park but if previous results are anything to go by the Hawks will continue to flex their muscles and record another big win.
Mackay City has been tremendous and are deserving with their tag as one of the premiership favourites for season 2015.
With the likes of the ever consistent Desmond Hayes, Scott Brown, Brodie Saltmarsh and Mark Berts, the Hawks have a star-studded line up.
However, with the losses of Jarrod Watling (moving) and Aaron Wade (injury), the Hawks flag aspirations have taken a massive hit. Though the will be looking to the next tier of players in Tim Bone, Jason Garrett and Nabako Stow to fill the void.
That trio for the Hawks are stars in their own right.
Mackay City has depth on their side and the reason they are performing so well and consistently for the season.
For the Saints, depth may be an issue but have had positive signs with the likes of exciting youngsters Brenton Lauder, Angus Johnston and co, showing signs of quality on more than one occasion this season.
However, Lauder and Johnston have had some experienced stars assist them in the likes of Brendan Cowcher, David Edwards, Mathew Landt and Sam Dunbar.
2015 head to head Results
Rd1: North Mackay 5.3 (33) def. by Mackay City 20.12 (132)
Rd8: Mackay City 20.15 (135) def. North Mackay 6.6 (42)
Last Modified on 03/08/2015 22:32