The juggernaut has continued this year, as the Mackay Magpies continue their domination of the Women's AFL Mackay competition and look for the rare three-peat.
Both sides have a good idea of how each other plays, with the Saints and Magpies going head to head five times this season. The women in black and white, having the upper hand with four wins from the five starts. Though it is the round 10 match, that the North Mackay Saints showed the once unbeatable Magpies are defeatable.
It was Lyneeka Malone, the hero on that day, sealing the 1-point victory with a last quarter goal.
Again that victory was well over 3 months ago and the last time these two sides played each other, the Magpies dominated with a comfortable 44-point win.
Magpies boast the highest points for in the competition, averaging 51-points against their opponents but they come up against the number one defensive unit in the Saints. North Mackay only let their opponents score on average 16-points. However, when they come up against the two-time premiers, the Magpies average 39-points against.
North Mackay will be looking to defensive generals Miya Scott, Carissa Morgan and Lyneale Thrupp. All three are consistent contributors will need to be on their game against an impressive attacking unit of the Magpies, which includes Tina Hancock, Jenna Camilleri and Ashley Moloney at times.
Where the game will be won
Battle of the rucks: Jaye Willis V Jenna Godfrey - This was an interesting battle in the Qualifying Final, with this an evenly contested match up. Godfrey for Saints, two tap offensive ruck that has very good follow up when the footy hits the ground. Willis, loves the contested situation and one of the best defensive act key position players in the competition.
Forwards Presence: Dragana Lalic/Lyneeka Malone V Tina Hancock/Belinda Ward - This is definitely not a like for a like, in this match up. However, the combination Malone's goal-sense and Lalic defensive pressure inside fifty is key to the Saints making the most of their inside forward fifty's. Hancock is a natural goal-kicker and great contested mark, add to this the physical presence of ward and football smarts, it is simple why the Magpies are going for three flags in a row.
Engine Room: Codie Rasmussen/Rahnee Vaccaneo/Chloe Moffat V Lisa Millard/Ashley Moloney/Bianca Gray - Whichever trio can get on top early, get their hands of the sherrin and drive it forward - will obviously, give their side first opportunity to kick the games all important first goal. Both trios have a good balance of in and under, outside run and ultimate team players.
Under the radar player
Lois Beckingham - Magpies: If Beckingham plays, the netball convert and 2016 Queensland representative captain is one of the best up and coming key position defenders. Her ability to read the play and intercept, along with spoiling and attack of the footy, is hard to come by, especially by someone that is only 16 years of age.
Chloe Moffatt - Saints: One of the players, every team has, does everything possible for the team and gets in and gives it 100% every time. Moffatt is a player that can play at either end of the ground and is very clean with the ground footy and doesn't mind throwing herself at the contest.
Both players will need to have massive impacts if their respective side is to bring home the premiership cup.
Picking a winner on paper, it would be easy to say the Mackay Magpies, that part is simple as the Saints are missing captain Allyce Marchetti.
However, that would be the easy way out and tip. We are tipping this as one of the games of the day and just maybe, like Round 10 could come down to one last kick of the sherrin in 2016.
Match Details
Mackay Magpies V North Mackay Saints
11:45am
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
Last Modified on 05/10/2016 16:21