Match Previews | After a wild first week of finals, our semi final match ups will provide many intriguing battles with grand final glory and season-over consequences on the line.

 When North Ballarat finished the home-and-away season fourth, Annie McCartin probably didn’t picture her side playing for a Grand Final spot in week two of finals.

But with Lake Wendouree knocking off third-placed Redan in week one, that’s exactly where the Roosters now find themselves.

The season’s earlier meetings don’t give stat-heads much confidence that North can topple the reigning premiers — but with a double chance, anything’s possible.

Sunbury will line up much the same as they did in their qualifying final.

The midcourt battle between Tayla Honey and North’s Brydi Hutchinson will be one to watch.

Both are athletic and sharp at reading play, so expect plenty of contests and turnovers through the middle.

North Ballarat’s line-up, meanwhile, could have a few unknowns.

Georgia Bodey earned the starting GA bib while Poppy Douglas was overseas late in the season, and her speed plus long-range shooting gave the Roosters a different look in attack.

Down back, Maggie Smith (GK) and Emma Trigg (GD) combined strongly in their first final, with support through wing defence.

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