For a fifth straight year, the Inverell Saints are playing on the last weekend of the TAFL and once again its the old combatants, the Tamworth Kangaroos at the other end. Despite a year of many ups and downs, the Saints qualified for the big one after finishing 3rd in the regular season and after having only 1 win after 5 rounds of the competition. The Saints made advantage of the new 5 team finals series, using their double chance after a bad loss to the Nomads in the Qualifying Final. However strong performances in the Minor Semi and Preliminary Final have seen the Saints contesting a GF yet again.
These two teams met 12 months ago but in vastly different circumstances. Last year the Saints were the Minor Premier and earnt the home GF, and were being led superbly around the field by their Gilles Medallist midfielder. However this year, the Roos were the dominant team of the season, earning the home GF and having their own midfield general with the Best and Fairest Medal hanging around his neck.
In the two clashes this year between the sides, the Roos came out on top o both occassions, with a 40 point drubbing in Inverell followed by an 8 point success in Tamworth. The Saints played very well that day in Tamworth and put it to the Roos for much of the match before falling short. They will need to improve upon any lapses of concentration this week if they expect to be competitive.
The Saints will look to their experienced players to make the difference on Saturday. Jono Elphick, Justin Pay, Matt Harrison and Gary Hadland have all had excellent years and have been a part of the Saints make up for many years. Captain Chris Whitton will be needed to continue his great year in front of goals, and a big performance on Saturday will hellp the Saints no end. However it could be the Saints unsung heroes who hold the key. KJ Te Velde and Peter Dunlop are nowhere near as much lauded as the midfield of the Roos, however they will be crucial to the Saints out of the middle on Saturday. The Saints backline has stood up of late, with newcomer Chris Schneider, together with veterans Corey Borthwick and Dave Vidovic, in great form. The three will pick up some defensive jobs and will be important.
As you would expect for a Grand Final, this game should be a tough and unyielding battle between the old foes. A high quality game of AFL is guaranteed.
Last Modified on 15/09/2011 11:28