Here it is, the Grand-Final as the ever consistent Mackay City Hawks face the come from no-where Moranbah Bulldogs in the 2016 Allied Pickford's Cup decider.
This match has everything, the two best players in the competition voted by the Umpires, goal scoring machines, ultimate team men and a Grand-Final history.
The main question is, who wants it more......
The go to
Hawks: The blend. Win the inside ball, spread and then choke the opposition in out of defence.
Bulldogs: Pressure. It's the thing they have been building on all year, and played a huge role in their big win over the Swans last week. They restrict the opposition going forward, create turnovers on the half forward line, and rebound quickly.
Key match-ups
Desmond Hayes vs. Nicholas Proud: They will get a look at each other at some stage, but depends on where each coach wants their number one player to start. Hayes, a key clearance player, three-time MJ Miller Medalist and an all round champion of the game here in Mackay. Proud the Bulldogs number line-breaker and former Redland Bomber, has led from the engine all season, agile, long penetrating kick and football smart.
Darren Clark vs. Daniel Moloney: These two shouldn't line up against each other, but the influence of these big men will be key. Clarke has kicked 35 goals this year including a sensational snap to send the Hawks soaring into the decider. It is Clark's hard running and crashing the pack style, that is what inspires the brown and gold week in, week out. Moloney similar to Clark, is one of the best contested marks in the competition and is a general on-field.
Trevor Rowler/Jack Churches vs. Leroy O'Sullivan/Dan Pullan: Churches and Rowler have been key pillars in the Hawks defence and no doubt will go to Moloney and Blair Hill respectively. The key timber down back for the Hawks, have great chemistry and run off, creating attacking options. O'Sullivan for the Bulldogs, will no doubt go to Clarke of the Hawks and Pullan is a smokey to be a-part of the defensive unit. Pullan is a wild-card but would be a good match up for the forward/midfielder in Brodie Saltmarsh. The influence of these two duo's will play a big role in the outcome.
Random Facts
Hawks: Have started games slowly this year, but have shown their superior fitness and won more second halves then first.
The Hawks have used 46 players this year in total.
Desmond Hayes and Darren Clark have appeared in the teams best players more times, than any other player (9 in total).
Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are final quarter specialists but find the third quarter the hardest, with a 50-50 record when it comes to the premiership quarters.
59 players have pulled on the Bulldogs jumper this year, for the mining town based club.
The ever consistent Leory O'Sullivan and Harold Davies have played the most games this season for Moranbah.
What these facts say, is if scores are locked or close at three quarter time, we are in for one hell of ride in the last stanza.
Head to Head
Round 5 - Bulldogs by 3points
Round 12 - Hawks by 133points
Round 17 - Hawks by 96points
Hawks in front on the head to head for the season with two wins from the three matches and by big margins. We feel the Round 5 match is an indicator of where this match will end up, a goal in it, either way.
Final say....
With the likes of Desmond Hayes, Lee Fazackerley, Tim Bone, Josh Donovan, Jack Churches and co, the Hawks are to pick against. However, the might of Moranbah in Aaron Thompson, Daniel Moloney, Leroy O'Sullivan, Nicholas Proud, John Miles and Brendan Ridgley - this Grand Final is mouth watering just thinking about it.
Again, as we always say, the team who can kick the first goal of the match and ease their nerves early... will go a long to securing the premiership cup.
The Hawks grand-final experience of 7 consecutive Grand-Finals, will play a massive part in a mental edge. However, the last time these two sides met in the season decider, the Bulldogs won the cup.
An interesting battle and one for any sport lover, to not miss at all!!!
Match Details
Mackay City Hawks V Moranbah Bulldogs
3:00pm
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 14/09/2016 11:29