HEYFIELD and CHURCHILL will square off in a mighty North Gippsland Football Netball League clash with the winner advancing to the grand final.Spectators will get an early taste of what may be to come on the second Saturday in September with both sides holding flag favouritism.
The Kangaroos have been at the fore front of the competition all season. Heyfield finishing two games clear of their nearest rival and this week’s opponent Churchill on the premiership ladder standings.
Enjoying a stellar two months the Cougars sealed their semi final berth after overpowering Boisdale in a dominating performance last Saturday.
Churchill was ruthless in their disposal of fellow flag contender Boisdale, and was not voided by the absence of Dean Jenkins and Daniel Hawking through injury.
With a number of players at the top of their game the side took the points in numerous key contests.
Of particular concern for Heyfield coach Stuart Anderson would be the damaging display in front of goal by Nathan McDonald who bagged nine majors in less then ideal conditions for a forward.
“Obviously there will be a fair bit of emphasis on cutting the supply to McDonald. Nine goals in those conditions was a great individual effort and our backline will need to work hard at ensuring that he doesn’t take the marks and get the opportunities in front of goal,” said Anderson.
The Cougars back line also drew the attention of Anderson, “Churchill’s backline was fantastic and their shut down of the opposition and ability to rebound strongly from defence really set them up.”
The stage is set for an enthralling battle the two sides have only met once this season with the ledger in the Kangaroos favour, Heyfield winning their round 11 clash by 32 points.
On that day, the Kangaroos led by five goals at half time before Churchill kicked six goals to one in the third term to reel the margin back to two points at the final change.
Anderson holds Churchill in high regard and is aware of the threat the Cougars pose come Saturday.
“We certainly rate and respect Churchill. I think that both sides are pretty similar in the way that we play and the cattle that we have on the field.
“Both sides have match winners across the board and we will be putting a few things in place to nullify their main players.
“We wont be concentrating too much on them rather ourselves and making sure that we get first use of the ball and use the footy well which in turn will put immense pressure on them,” said Anderson.
Last Saturday Churchill’s dominance in the midfield was evident coach Leigh McDonald a prolific possession getter along with Brandon Mahoney.
The Cougars winning the centre clearance count as they consistently burst from the centre of the ground.
Set to be pitted against another slick midfield Heyfield’s Anderson, Luke Conway and Dave Kelly have had solid seasons with the trio combining effectively with forwards Brett Szabo, Jake Shingles and Lyell Berry in front of goals.
Anderson is confident that his side will come out “all guns blazing” and will be good enough on the day to halt the reigning premiers nine goal winning streak.
“It’s what you play for to make finals and play against the best opposition, the guys are ready to go this week.
“We enjoyed the week off after playing eight games leading in, the break gave us an opportunity to refresh mentally but also try a few different things at training.”
Tigers purring with confidence
GORMANDALE coach Shane Hamilton doesn't need to use the Tigers round 18 loss to Boisdale as motivation ahead of Sunday’s rematch with the BOISDALE Bombers in the first semi final.
On that fateful wet August 1 afternoon, the Bombers booted away to an early three goal lead before the Tigers fought back to draw within 13 points at the final siren.
Rather Hamilton will ride on the back of his chargers confidence leading into Sundays knock out final.
“Not many had given us a chance to make finals and understandably so given our poor start to the season.
“To have snuck into the five and knock over Woodside on Sunday the boys confidence is sky high, which will certainly work in our favour. Were fairly confident leading into this weeks match,” said Hamilton.
The ledger stands at one a piece this season, Gormandale claiming the points in their earlier meeting with a convincing victory on the road.
The Tigers have won their past three matches heading into the semi final, their last loss at the hands of Sunday’s opponent Boisdale.
Hamilton is looking forward to the match and may have the luxury of adding extra cavalry into his side with Shayne Simpson and Marc Adams two possible inclusions.
“We could be strengthened, Simpson and Adams have been training but dependent on doctor assessments we won’t know till later in the week if they will get up.
“Regardless of their inclusion we are confident that we have the right mix to match Boisdale. On any given day they (Boisdale) can beat any side, they are a dangerous team with a number of key players who we will be keeping a close watch on.
“Our back six efforts on the weekend were outstanding Luke Hegarty, Rob Voss, Lee Renton and Adam Jaensch has kept us in the game on many occasions this year limiting opposition scores. The guys know that they will have another tough assignment,” said Hamilton.
The Tiger coach won’t be drawn into focusing too much on previous results knowing that finals footy are a total different ball game.
“Out first win came against Boisdale, they had two or three out that day and then the second time round it was a wet scrappy affair. They looked comfortable all match and really had our measure until we fought back.
“We respect them we know that they are a very good team, but we are confident that the wide open ground of Sale City will suit our running players and hopefully see us over the line.”
While Gormandale’s confidence is sky high, Bomber coach Andrew Gieschen will need to rally his side to ensure they break their finals hoodoo and regain much needed confidence ahead of Sundays clash.
SENIORS
Second Semi Final
Saturday 29th August, TYERS
Heyfield V Churchill
First Semi Final
Sunday 30th August, SALE CITY
Bois/Briag V Gormandale
By Lauren Carey
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