THIS weekend sees the front-runners of the Manpower AFL Mackay competition fight it out for supremacy in the semi-final round.
With a grand final position up for grabs in the major semi, plus the risk of sudden elimination hanging over teams in the minor semi, both Saturday and Sunday's matches will be hotly contested.
In tomorrow's match, the first placed Whitsunday Sea-Eagles will hope to continue their unbeaten run for season 2009 when they take on second placed Mackay City Hawks at Zeolla Park.
The Sea-Eagles are coming off last week's annihilation of the North Mackay Saints but will have had much to work on this week under coach Gavin Kahl to iron out any signs of complacency ahead of the match.
The score-line aside, Whitsunday was wasteful at times in front of goal last weekend and allowed for some lapses in defensive pressure which could prove costly against the skilful Hawks line-up.
The Hawks have had a tough preparation, with a must-win clash with the Swans in round 18 ensuring the Mackay City team is at the top of their game.
Following a disappointing result in their last encounter in round 16, the Hawks may choose to exploit the second chance on offer to avoid giving away too many secrets ahead of a much anticipated rematch in the 2009 grand final in a fortnight's time.
• Ian's tip - Sea-Eagles by 6 goals.
Thriller looms
SUNDAY'S sudden death clash at Etwell Park is between third placed Eastern Swans and the Bakers Creek Tigers, who rattled home into fourth place in last week's final round.
The Tigers were riding high atop the competition ladder mid-season, but were stung in the latter stages by season-ending injuries to key players. Even the importation of former AFL star Byron Picket could not reverse the slide, until late in the regular season when the Tigers re-found some confidence.
Eastern Swans also looked to suffer a mid-season fade, which was quickly snapped out by coach Dave Edwards' increased coaching regime. The Swans have played quality football since, almost causing a boil-over against Whitsunday to prove they have the credentials to go all the way.
Injury clouds remain over both teams and with Bakers Creek playing on home turf, the result could be too close to call.
• Ian's tip - Tigers by 1 point.