Mackay.AFLQ.com.au preview the Under 13 Mackay Isuzu UTE Trophy Preliminary Final between the Sarina Demons and North Mackay Saints.
The equation is simple, win and it is a Grand-Final appearance against the Whitsunday Sea Eagles.
Easier said then done, though both these sides have the firepower to win the 2015 flag but standing their way is each other. Sarina boast the likes of Queensland Country representative William Bella, the ever reliable Daly Murphy and hard working Merlin Merkel.
For the Saints the likes of female star Brooke Laffan, State representative Brody Morris and the elusive Jonte Upton, both sides have out and out stars.
Sarina will be looking to bounce back after their defeat to the Sea Eagles in last weeks Qualifying Final and will need to find more firepower up forward. The Demons matched their opponents last week for inside 50's but couldn't reward themselves on the scoreboard.
Merkel played a key role with his defensive pressure and agility for the Demons but will need taller support to keep the scoreboard attendant busy.
James Rix may just be the x-factor that the Demons need to advance to the decider. Rix returned from the Under 14 North Queensland championships full of confidence and if he can again continue his ever improving inside work and combine that with his fantastic outside work, he may just be the player to get the Dees over the line.
North Mackay were fantastic and outclassed Mackay City in the Elimination Final on Sunday, they played a fantastic team game and were levels above their opponents.
Brody Morris and Brooke Laffan were the two Saints who stood up early in the contest to give their side the ascendecy. Laffan worked hard and gave her midfield first use, with her second to none ruck work. Morris was damaging with his long runs including a game high 6 bounces during one run, if he can bring that to the table again it will give his side the advantage.
Both sides have their weaknesses and no doubt been working on these through out the week.
The Demons last week overused the footy by hand inside their defensive fifty and the Sea Eagles pounced on the wasted opportunities.
North Mackay on the other hand, blazed away too much and can't afford to do that again and will need to lower their eyes against their much fancied opponents.
Results in 2015 HEAD to HEAD
Rd 17 - North Mackay 6.6 (42) def. Sarina 1.0 (6)
Rd 14 - Sarina 7.5 (47) def. North Mackay 4.1 (25)
With the head to head count at 1-a-piece for season 2015, trying to pick a winner is very difficult. North Mackay would start slight favourites after the last start 36-point win, though on paper the Demons have more depth.
Final Say
Pick a winner if you dare, it should be a goal either way. With more depth on their list Sarina Demons should come away with the victory. However the Saints duo of Laffan and Morris in the midfield may just prove to be the difference in the end.
Match Details
Sarina Demons Vs. North Mackay Saints
8:10am first bounce
Harrup Park
Saturday 5th September
Last Modified on 07/09/2015 12:14