By Mackay.AFLQ.com.au
Mackay.AFLQ.com.au preview the Round 18 AFL Mackay Premier Women's matches as the Mackay Magpies face cross-town rivals the Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval.
And rookies Bakers Creek will look to finish their maiden season on a high against North Mackay at Etwell Park as the Tigresses appear for the last time this season with a bye in the final round of the season.
Preview: Swans v Magpies
SUMMARY
The Swans will be hungry to bounce back from a disappointing loss to North Mackay last week, however standing in their way is the rampaging Mackay Magpies.
It has become the hardest task in Australian Football circles across all competitions, as the juggernaut that is the Magpies look likely to claim back to back flags. Will the Magpies look to take a conservative approach, however having the bye last week will no doubt the women in black and white will be looking to re-gather momentum as they enter another finals campaign.
Where and when: Rogers Oval, Saturday 11:10am
THE FIVE POINTS
1. Last time these two sides met, it was the contested footy of the Magpies that stood out and they will again bring this to the table and the Swans must make this a key focus going in.
2. 'AJ' Smith has been a dominate figure all season and the Magpies Captain is no doubt a favourite for the 2015 Premier Women's fairest and best medal. A head to head match up with her opposite number Swans captain Alana McNabb would be interesting.
3. Offensive pressure is a key for the Swans if they are to challenge the Magpies. The Eastern Swans highest score against the Magpies came back in Round 6, 2014 where they were able to hit the scoreboard 6 times through the big sticks. This is the highest of any team, ever against the Magpies.
4. The Swans must believe in themselves, in the Round 6 match in season 2014, the Swans led at half-time but were let down by a poor quarter. A lot has changed since then but they must believe the Magpies are beatable.
5. Magpies depth is their key, AJ Smith, Jaye Willis, Tina Hancock, Lisa Millard and co are the most talked about players but the Magpies depth is their key. If the first tier aren't firing the next group stand up with the likes of Nicole Ribaldone, Teah Mealy, Erin Saltmarsh, Laura Kimlin, Siouxie Twidale and co.
THE LAST FIVE RESULTS
Rd 6, 2015 - Mackay Magpies 12.7 (79) def. Eastern Swans 0.1 (1)
Rd 3, 2015 - Mackay Magpies 7.7 (49) def. Eastern Swans 2.0 (12)
GF, 2014 - Mackay Magpies 10.7 (67) def. Eastern Swans 3.3 (21)
QF, 2014 - Mackay Magpies 18.11 (119) def. Eastern Swans 1.0 (6)
Rd 13, 2014 - Mackay Magpies 9.15 969) def. Eastern Swans 2.1 (13)
IT'S A BIG GAME FOR......
The entire Eastern Swans team, last years Grand-Finalists have had an up and down season and if they are to declare themselves as premiership contenders this match is the match to do it in. Against the benchmark.
THE FINAL SAY
Alana McNabb has shouldered majority of the work-load this season and has been a star player for the Eastern Swans and will be challenging the likes of AJ Smith and Lisa Millard come league vote count night. McNabb hasn't played since the start of July and will be a welcome inclusion for the Swans this weekend.
It is only a matter of time before the Magpies juggernaut comes to an end, can the Swans win the battle of the birds?
AFL Mackay Premier Women's Fixtures: Round 18
Eastern Swans Vs. Mackay Magpies @ 11:10am, Sat 15th August - Rogers Oval
Bakers Creek Tigresses Vs. North Mackay @ 1:00pm, Sat 15th Aug - Rogers Oval
Photo By Chris Chapman: Magpies player tries to dispose of the footy as two Swans opponents close her down in the teams Round 6 match at Rogers Oval.
Last Modified on 20/08/2015 13:55