The time has come for the top four teams to put all of their hard work throughout the year to the test.
On Saturday at Hopetoun Recreation Reserve it is the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers who will take on Woomelang Lascelles who took back second spot last weekend after a convincing win against the Demons.
Both teams are coming off good form from last week’s final home and away game. While they won their respective matches by in excess of 70 points, both teams had lulls at different stage of the game.
If the Tigers have had any weakness this season, it has been their first quarters. They were sluggish again last week against the Roos. There is no doubt it will be in the back of their minds not to allow the Cats to get away from them in the early stages of the game. Their midfield will want to get on top in the clearances, and will look to Tom Summerhayes and Scott Weekley to read the ruckwork of Zac May to achieve this. However, they will have their work cut out when they line up against the likes of now dual Russ Gravestocks medalist Trent Donnan and the in form Jack Shannahan.
The battle between the midfield will be well worth watching, however it is the 2 very different functioning forward lines that maybe the key to the eventual winner’s success. The Tigers 3 key forwards - Jordan Doering, Cliff Ryan and Jarrod Arentz - kick a majority of their goals and have amassed 140 goals between them this season. They are important players for the Tigers, reflected by their finish in the league voting, and opposition sides have rarely had the capacity in tall backmen to go with them.
For the Cats they regularly have up to 10 different goal scorers. Being able to share the load like this enables them to stretch the defence of the opposition. They have multiple avenues to goal through their permanent forwards as well as their midfield, which has the ability to run hard both ways.
The Tigers took the points in their first 2 clashes but the Cats won the most recent encounter. It is certainly set up for a great battle between the two teams.
The following day first semi final qualifiers, the Southern Mallee Giants and Ouyen United, will battle it out at Sea Lake.
The two teams have had some great clashes this season, however most recently the Giants had their biggest win for the year over the Demons. The Demons certainly didn’t field their best side that day and will hope a few inclusions since then will be enough to bridge the gap.
Covering the loss of coach, and impenetrable backman Andy Jardine, will be a big factor in the game. The Demons have had trouble going with tall, key forwards of the opposition since Jardine’s injury. Todd Barker has improved in every game since his return and may just be the one to give his team’s defence the strength it needs when they are faced with an in-form Kain Robins.
Robins booted 12 goals in their round 18 encounter, followed by another 8 in their follow up game against the Cats. The Giants have improved their delivery going forward, moving the ball quickly and precisely. But a young, pacey Demons team will have them under constant pressure. Alex and Tom Morrish cover plenty of ground, and Dylan Fishwick has the potential to do a job in any part of the ground. These players will be looking for their experienced players to set the tone and follow accordingly.
There is the potential for a great match-up between Demons barometer Brad Vallance and dashing Giants defender Sam Weddell. Vallance has been playing through the midfield more in recent weeks to cover the loss of other players. The Demons will have to weigh up where he is needed most, but no matter where he plays the Giants will need to follow him closely.
There is no doubt each team will have swings of momentum go their way at different stages of the game. The deciding factor may be who can limit the damage when the other team is on top, whilst making the most of their own opportunities.
By Dale Shannon