If form is anything to go for, then the North Mackay Saints hold the advantage but if the whole season is taken into account then the Mackay City Hawks are the starting favourites.
The Hawks are coming off a disappointing 79-point thumping by the Eastern Swans last week and to bounce back from that type of loss will be tough. However, Mackay City have played in numerous finals series including the last five Grand-Finals, so they have the runs on the board.
But in their way, are the North Mackay Saints.
The Saints marched to a very impressive 66-point win over the Mackay Magpies who are no easy beats but what they did last week is play an all round team game, something the Hawks did not.
Desmond Hayes was a lone warrior last week and will be looking to the likes of Mark Berts, Scott Brown, Brodie Saltmarsh and co to bounce back and be key contributors against cross-town rivals the Saints. For the Saints, they will be looking to stay disciplined and continue their all round team game.
Head to Head Results - Last 5 Times
Rd 16, 2015 - Mackay City 15.12 (102) def. North Mackay 11.6 (72)
Rd 8, 2015 - Mackay City 20.15 (135) def. North Mackay 6.6 (42)
Rd 1, 2015 - Mackay City 20.12 (132) def. North Mackay 5.3 (33)
Rd 11, 2014 - North Mackay 18.7 (115) def. Mackay City
Rd 4, 2014 - Mackay City 8.12 (60) def. North Mackay 8.5 (53)
Mackay City lead the head to head count over the last 5 games and this is a telling statistic going into this match. The Hawks have won all three encounters this year but it is the last game that is the most interesting with the Hawks skipping away early in the match.
Mackay City kicked 10-goals to 5 in the opening half with North Mackay getting up in the last two quarters kicking 6 goals to 5.
If North Mackay to limit the Hawks, who like to get on the outside and run, this will give the Saints who are known as strong finishes the opportunity to knock the favourites out of the flag race.
The four points
1. Discipline will be key in this match, it is a fierce rivalry between these two clubs but whichever side can stick to their structure and plans will book a place in the Grand Final against the Swans.
2. Brodie Saltmarsh is key to the Hawks success, if Mackay City can find another target up forward they will be able to stretch the under height Saints defensive unit.
3. What ever the Saints did last week, keep it the same. They are peaking at the right end of the season, so everything from the morning breakfast to the timings of team talks, DO NOT CHANGE A THING!
4. Fast direct footy is the key at Harrup Park, which has quite wide wings. Don't get stuck out too wide, get it in as quickly as possibly to give your forwards the chance to be able to play in front.
Where: Harrup Park
When: 2:15pm, Saturday 5th September
Watch out for
Hawks: Desmond Hayes #10 - At only 28 he just keeps getting better and better. He has already collected the MVP Medal for the representative weekend and he may be close to receiving his second MJ Miller Medal on Saturday night. His ability to win the ground level footy is second to none in the competition and reads the play like none other.
Saints: James Gallagher #3 - The small to medium midfielder hasn't been talked about much throughout season 2015 due to the likes of Dunbar, Cowcher and co but Gallagher played a mammoth role in destroying the Magpies last week and defensive inside, hard running midfielder booted four majors, nearly doubling his career tally. He isn't as flashy as a few of his team mates but he does the 1%ers and is somewhat a barometer for the Saints.
Final say......
Well the Hawks started heavy favourites, though both their Division 1 and 2 sides went down massively last week, so to get back up for a Preliminary Final with plenty of energy and buzz takes that little bit extra. They might of played in the last five Grand-finals and won three of them (they will help) but today they will need to be accountable as the Saints are on the march.
After exiting the finals race early last year, the Saints have always wanted to go one better and well, they have the chance to go to the big day but can they keep to their structures?
Photo by Kaz Morrison: Mackay City Hawks and North Mackay Saints players go head to head in their round 1 encounter at Zeolla Park.
Last Modified on 07/09/2015 12:11