Jim Gordon preview the upcoming finals matches in the Mallee Football League

Second Semi Final at SEALAKE, Saturday 1st September

Walpeup Underbool v Hopetoun

The last time these two sides met, Hopetoun won and it was the first of two losses in a row for the Roos. Walpeup Underbool's mid season slump was the result of a bad run of injuries, some ordinary form and on that day they met a Hopetoun side at the peak of their performance. But things have changed since then.

Walpeup Underbool has got back almost all of their players who were out injured from that match, they have a great belief in their own ability and are in brilliant touch. They know that the window of opportunity is open.

Hopetoun deserve their spot on the ladder and the second chance. Although they have dropped matches during the season that they should have won, the Devils have played some great games and none better than last week when they were playing for second position against Beulah.

The Devils have found some good form at the right end of the season and with a full and fit squad to pick from they are going to be competitive against the Roos. It is the lesser known players like Chris and Scott Heath, Zac Robins, Quentin Willmott, Ben Reid and Dave Baulch who have really stood up in the last month to level out the side and get some consistency in the team.

Having Coleman Schache back into the side will bring valuable experience and skill to the team. His ability to win contests is second to none.

Both sides have stars on almost every line. David Piasente, Sam McDonald and Luke Nathan are in wonderful form at the moment and they will be pitted against a formidable midfield in Luke Carr, Deek Roberts and Anthony Baker. Both clubs could do with a dominant big man, it has been a problem all year for the Devils and the Roos have been missing Joshua Charles and this week Matt Palmer is doubtful.

The versatile Palmer suffered a heavy collision last weekend and will be a big loss if he doesn't play, but the possible return of Charles gives the Walpeup Underbool midfield a clear advantage.

Chris Chubb and Joshua Stone are also available after missing the last round. In a side that boasts as many stars as Walpeup Underbool, Stone's polling in the MFL Best and Fairest award gives you an idea of not only his talent, but also his value to the Roos. Coach Jeremy Rowe will return from several weeks out not only adding strength to the Roos' backline, but Rowe is a genuine leader and his presence on the ground adds a lot to the team.

In that previous meeting won by Hopetoun, the dominant players on the ground were Kain Robins and Bryce Wellington who between them booted ten goals. The match up on Robins will be a key for Walpeup Underbool as they know that if they can hold or at least contain the potential Hopetoun match winner, the game will be theirs for the taking.

With Palmer likely to miss, it may fall to Travis Latta or Jeremy Brown to pick up Robins. Both of these players were strong performers in Walpeup Underbool's one-sided win over the Demons and Walpeup Underbool have a number of key forwards themselves that Hopetoun will need to watch closely, especially if the Roos midfield are able to get first use of the ball. Kane Munro was outstanding early in the game last week and Wade Champion is a proven goal kicker and very dangerous up forward.

After the earlier games this season, you would expect that this should be the game of the year so far, with both teams eager to jump into the final with a momentum which is so important at this time of year. Expect a tough game early, but it will be Walpeup Underbool who go straight through to the 2012 MFL Grand Final.

First Semi Final at WOOMELANG
Sunday 2nd September

Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers v Beulah

Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers take on Beulah in the cut throat first semi final at Woomelang on Sunday. The Tigers have had the wood over Beulah this year winning both encounters even though the last one was by only one point. That result alone has set up what should be an enthralling contest this time around.

Not only will fans be treated to a great game, but they will have the chance to see Col Durie, winner of his third Russ Gravestocks medal for the Best and Fairest in the Mallee League in action as well as the runner up, Beulah's Stephen Saunders. The Tigers are expecting Durie to return from a shoulder injury after missing last week.

Beulah need to find other avenues to goal apart from David King. Their small forwards need to get involved and tackling and pressure need to increase in the forward line. Riley Lehmann is yet to really hit his best form and if he can provide the Blues with another goal kicking option, Beulah could be well on the way to a win.

The battle in the midfield should go a long way to deciding the result of this match. Brad Shannon has had another great year and together with Scott Smith, will be pitted against Durie and Jarrod Alderton who has been one of Sea Lake Nandaly's best this year. With Saunders in great form, Beulah might just finish ahead at the all important centre clearances.

Both teams have a very handy back six. Kim Hallam returned to form last week with a great game for Beulah on Kain Robins and he usually plays well against the Tigers. Tim Hill is a consistent performer at full back for the Blues and John Guthrie is a valued Tiger in the back half.

Beulah will need a lift in all areas of the game if they are going to be any chance of winning, much less any chance of making a tilt for the premiership. The Blues were disappointing against Hopetoun last week. This is a big game for Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers. They have all football sides playing in finals this year and every netball team bar one, a great effort by the club. The Tigers had a wonderful finals series last year, playing off in the Grand Final, but Beulah may be just a bit to strong around the midfield and with David King kicking goals, should record a win and a place in next week's preliminary final.

By Jim Gordon