Avenel has the job in front of it if it wants to qualify for the grand final in two weeks at Mooroopna.
The minor premier looked shell-shocked was comprehensively beaten by a slick and finals hardened Nagambie in the second semi-final while Stanhope was extremely clinical in disposing of the reigning premier.
Donald Stirling will go back to the drawing board and he is likely to welcome back a few key players who missed last week’s 10 goal loss.
However, he is likely to be without Michael Morgan who spent the second half on the bench with a leg injury while Scott Tyers came off late with what looked an arm injury and best and fairest winner Kasey Duncan played sore in the second half.
Duncan is likely to play, but he won’t spend too much time in the midfield.
The positive for Stirling is the team couldn’t play any worse and there is no doubt a number of the players down last weekend will be eager to dish up an improved performance.
The Lions probably played their best football for three weeks last weekend and Matt Forys, Eric Edwards and Jye Patten reaped the benefits to share in 12 goals.
Blake Coyle, ruckman Colin Harvey and skipper Thomas Hepburn were others to fire while down back Michael Coad leads by example with good support from Stuart Trevena and Lachie West.
The Lions are likely to have their coach, Brenton Gray available for selection while Dylan Moncur is also available along with Sam Woodward.
This game will be won by the team that can apply early scoreboard pressure – something the Swans struggled to do against Nagambie.
Recent meetings
Avenel 16.9.105 d Stanhope 12.11.83 at Stanhope in round 1, 2016
Avenel 19.17.131 d Stanhope 10.8.68 at Avenel in round 14, 2016
Last Modified on 15/09/2016 15:41