Last years premiers, the Eastern Swans led the Hawks in last weeks Qualifying Final for 97% of the match and if it wasn't for a centre clearance masterclass by three-time MJ Miller Medallist Desmond Hayes in the final 5 minutes, the Swans would of secured a shot at back to back titles, already.
However, the Hawks prevailed and the Swans now face an in-form Moranbah Bulldogs in the Preliminary Final.
It was only two weeks ago in Round 19 that these two sides met each other and at the very same venue, Rogers Oval. And on that day, it was the men in red and white, who ran out 10-goal victors.
Though that time, it was for premiership points but this time, it's for a place in the 2016 Allied Pickford's Cup Grand-Final.
It is no mistake, the Swans are the hunted, the reigning premiers have been the benchmark all season and if it wasn't for a minor 5 minute lapse, we wouldn't be talking about them.
Braden De Angelis was superb on the wing for the Swans last week, as was Terry Bailey in the midfield and Chris Burdon inside the forward fifty. The pace of De Angelis and foot skills of Bailey, were second to none and created havoc for the Hawks last week. Burdon was just plain and simple, sensational in front of goals booting 5-majors.
Add to this quartet, the leadership and poise of veteran Ivan Walker and the reigning premiers will be hard too match up against, for the Bulldogs.
For their opponents, Moranbah, the much talked about quartet of Nick Proud, Dan Pullan, Daniel Moloney and Aaron Thompson have been the driving force behind the resurgence of the Bulldogs in 2016.
Moloney has been a lone warrior up forward this season for the Moranbah men, but over the last few weeks of the season, Blair Hill has become the most dangerous doggie inside the forward fifty with Moloney, moving further up-field.
Hill's agility and ability at ground level, along with cleanliness above his head make him a difficult player to shut down.
This match will come down to a simple battle, between each sides two most influential players in-front of the big sticks. For the Swans, Luke Ball (40) and Matthew West (81) who combined have kicked 121 goals and for the Doggies, Daniel Moloney (48) and Nicholas Proud (32) have combined for 80 goals.
The influence of these scoreboard impacters, will decide the out-come of this blockbuster.
Match Details
Eastern Swans V Moranbah Bulldogs
3:00pm
Rogers Oval, Petrie Street - Eastern Swans AFC
The thoughts and views in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views of the players mentioned, clubs and AFL Mackay.
Last Modified on 14/09/2016 11:28