The Under 17’s AFL Mackay Isuzu UTE Cup is the same line up as the Under 14’s. North Mackay Saints vs Whitsunday Sea Eagles.
In their two encounters in 2016, the Saints were the victors on both occasions winning by 7 points and 63 points. However if the Sea Eagles can bring their A game like they have in their first two finals it is hard to see them losing.
The North Mackay Saints have been by far the most consistent team of 2016 in the under 17’s, however their stellar season will only be rewarded if they take home the cup on Saturday morning. With the Under 17 League best and fairest Liam Byrne starting the Saints off in the ruck they will be imposing right from the first bounce. Outside run will be provided by Ryan Villalba and Fraser Steele silky skills will give the Saints the best opportunity going forward.
The powerhouse and big body of Dempsey Rodden up forward with 28 goals this year could be the difference between the two sides on Saturday. The hard contested footy which is expected could suit the likes of Kelly Siemer, Lachlan Powell and Jayden Tetley.
The Whitsunday Sea Eagles are unpredictable to say the least with rookie coach Mark Milligan at the reins no one knows what to expect, and that is the way they like it.
Last week in the preliminary final in the battle of the birds the Magpies were no match for the Rhys Fuhrmann lead Sea Eagles who has already kicked 9 goals in this finals series already. If the Saints want to win this big dance they will need to limit Fuhrmann’s impact on the game right from the start because we all know how damaging he can be on both sides of his body.
The Healy brothers Jacob and Mitchell providing heavy hitting impact on the score board and the contest will also be players the Saints will need to contain. Multi-sport representative Lachlan Draper will also provide silk and polish off the back line for the Sea Eagles. Mackay Crows representative, Logan Milligan is coming off a hamstring injury however sources are saying he is raring to go and will no doubt be a handful for the Saints backline.
To say this match up will be worth the price of entry alone is an understatement, we will have to toss a coin to predict the winner because as with all Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams we have no idea which one will turn up on the day.
Match Details
North Mackay Saints V Whitsunday Sea Eagles
10:15am
Harrup Park, Lamb Street - Mackay
Saturday 10th September
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
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Last Modified on 14/09/2016 11:29