This weekend isn’t actually the true start of the Maroochy RSL Club AFL Sunshine Coast Juniors “2009 Finals Series” after we played two under 16 finals last Friday night as their part in a final five structure.
But for argument sake we embark on our finals this weekend with semi finals played in 5 competitions; 12’s division 1 and 2, 14’s division 1 and 2 and under 16’s at Glasshouse Hinterland Friday night and Sunday whilst Pomona will host four games on the Sunday.
Whilst all the semi final action is being fought out, the under 12’s division 3 participation competition will undertake an end of season round robin format on Sunday at Noosa to complete season 09. The under 12’s division 3 competition has been a fantastic success as it has introduced second year under 10 players to more competitive football whilst giving true under 12 players who require greater skill acquisition opportunity to gather that in a less competitive environment. This round robin will kick off at 9am Sunday and be complete by 1pm with a presentation to take place at 10.30am to recognise league B&F players.
Friday night action for the last time in season 2009 will be at the “Jungle” down Glasshouse Hinterland way with two games structuring up the evening from 6pm.
The division 2 under 12 top of the table semi final will be played between the hosts Lions and the Coolum Beach Breakers. The Lions have won all 12 games since returning to this completion from division one and will begin this final stanza as favourite but their opponent that evening in the Breakers are more than capable to take this up to the hosts.
Super coach Ian O’Dwyer will pit his skills against the evergreen Phil McCombe of Glasshouse Hinterland and with talent spread through both teams it is simply a case of who turns up on the night to play with heart and vigor at the footy that will get the direct berth into the GF.
Lions players Adam Lillecrapp and Billy Blacker have provided the centre drive for their team with around the ground support from Brandon Hurst, Nathaniel Doneman and Callum Robertson. They have many avenues to goal with Jaiden Crole, Hurst, Ben Fleiter, Ben Cammell, Lillecrapp and Blacker regularly forcing the goal umpire to grab the two flags.
For the Breakers Riley O’Dwyer loves a goal, with ample support coming from Brandon Ireland, Sam Brackley, Bulldog Ward and straight out of the Breakers Jack Mullett; coach O’Dwyer also boasts plenty of avenues to the big sticks. Making this Breakers team sing are Blake Wisken, Jarah Armstrong, and Riley O’Dwyer, with Jarrod Trahar, Brandon Ireland, Bulldog and Mullett also getting well amongst the Sherrin action.
On the occasion that these two teams have met in season 2009 the points have gone the Lions way but that only puts a team one step closer to success, and I’m sure Friday night will provide plenty of tight and willing moments on the footy field.
Following will be the under 14 division 1 first semi final of Kawana Park v Caloundra, a 7.40pm kick off will give the locals and spectators much to cheer about. Both teams have gained about a 50% win loss ratio over the course of season 2009 and percentages around the 100 mark suggest that attack and defense have had their moments over the course of the season, attack kicking winning scores whilst defense under pressure.
This is third v fourth game and the winner will live to fight another day as they progress to the preliminary final the following week whilst for the loser it’s moth balls. These two teams have met on four occasions in 2009 with both teams securing the match points on two occasions.
Their most recent meeting was just last week when the Eagles prevailed 11.11.77 to Caloundra 5.8.38, but if the Panthers turn up with the round 7 attitude where they prevailed to the tune of 45 points, this game will also present a nail biter.
Kawana Park has the huge drive of Lincoln High pushing the ball deep forward many times off half back but High also seeks a goal as his efforts in the under 16’s will indicate. Under 14 Power player Christian Thavenot has been in great form for the Eagles with able support coming from the teams fleet footed runners in Ali Barr, Max Richardson, Bradley Ashcroft and Adam Randall whilst the height of Jackson Gray on many occasions gives his small mates first use.
Over at the Panthers team huddle the height of Elliot Escott-Kenny, with run and footy smarts from Bradley French are imposing to the opposition. Dale Appleton, Alec Townsend, Daniel Henderson, Baylie Harrington, Matthew Rutzou and Lachlan Broadstock give the Panthers plenty of around the ground skill and delivery.
All in all both of these games to kick of the weekend will be action packed and well worth the $2.00 entrance fee to finals to kick start your weekend. So enjoy the finals action and remember it’s all about the kids.
Last Modified on 02/09/2009 12:07