Finals are here and week 1 is full of blockbusters, as Rogers Oval host the top 2 teams of each competition. We preview the Isuzu UTE Junior Qualifying Finals.
Week 1 Explained: On Saturday, the Qualifying Finals will be held at Rogers Oval for competitions. This is where 1st versus 2nd, with the winner to advance straight to this years Grand-Final and the loser to play the winner of the Sunday Elimination Finals between 3rd and 4th of each competition.
Under 17 Isuzu UTE Cup - Qualifying Final Preview
Last years Under 17 Isuzu UTE Cup, Grand-Finalists North Mackay Saints will go head to head with new-comers the Mackay Magpies for a spot in thsi years decider.
The Saints have had a terrific season and ooze talent across the paddock. Offensively they are very strong with the likes of Dempsey Rodden, Fraser Steele and Luke Mason all consistent contributors in-front of goals. With Ryan Villalba, Liam Byrne, Tate Obst, Kelly Siemer all go to players when North Mackay are in form.
For the Magpies, Rory Underwood, Ethan Morris and Jarrod Laffan have led from the front in the Magpies maiden season in the Isuzu UTE Cup.
These two sides have met three times this season, with the North Mackay Saints winning two of those three encounters. In their most recent match, the Saints marched to a 25-point victory led by a dominate display by Matthew Erezuma and Ben Perna.
Match Details
North Mackay Saints V Mackay Magpies
10:15am
Rogers Oval, Petrie Street - Eastern Swans AFC
Under 14 Isuzu UTE Shield - Qualifying Final Preview
The Sarina Demons have been impressive all season and deservingly taken out the minor premiership, however a new season starts and that one is the Finals.
Standing in their way of a Grand-Final berth, is the Whitsunday Sea Eagles who have been nipping at their heals all season. The Demons may boast the minor premiership but the Sea Eagles hold the mantle of the competitions number one offensive and defensive record.
Led by Jayden Clark, Max Steele, Ethan Boyle and Lachlan Draper, the Whitsunday Sea Eagles have match winners across the paddock. However, have a secret weapon in Callum McMurdo who has been out injured for a majority of the season. Under the radar no-more and if the Sea Eagles are to claim back to back titles McMurdo and co will need to step up and support the leading quartet.
For the Demons, the likes of Callum Creeley, Callum Johnstone, James Rix, Will Bella and co are keys to the Demons success these Finals.
However, if the Demons are to defeat the star studded Sea Eagles the result may be in the influence of prolific Under 12 Maison Staas. The young rookie, is the number one Demon in-front of the sticks and flies under the radar of most sides, the Sea Eagles should watch this rising star very closely.
Match Details
Sarina Demons V Whitsunday Sea Eagles
8:55am
Rogers Oval, Petrie Street - Eastern Swans AFC
Under 12 Isuzu UTE Trophy - Qualifying Final Preview
North Mackay have been the dominate side of the Isuzu UTE Trophy season, with their only loss coming back in Round 7 against the Eastern Swans. However, since then they have marched to eight straight victories, including two over their finals opponent.
Ty Jenkins, Noah Smith, Darcy Siemer and Darby Coleman have played pivotal roles in the Saints march up the ladder.
Though, the Saints opponent the Mackay City Hawks will have other plans to halt them and end their winning streak. The brown and goal, have a well-balanced line up, with a really strong core that has gelled well together this season.
The likes of Charlie Hughes, Hamish Macdonald, Ethan Goodwin, Lachlan Jones and Liam Hetherton are just some of the names that are the leading Hawks. Any interesting match and whichever side can adapt to the slippery conditions of playing an early match, which will be like playing wet weather footy will go straight through to this years decider.
Match Details
North Mackay Saints V Mackay City Hawks
7:45am
Rogers Oval, Petrie Street - Eastern Swans AFC
Photo by Pauline Rusk (Whitsunday Sea Eagles Juniors Facebook group page)
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The thoughts and views in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views of the players, clubs and AFL Mackay.
Last Modified on 14/09/2016 11:26