The 2014 SFL SAS Security Finals Series are now underway for all Divisions and there is plenty on the line this weekend for all clubs involved!
A reminder that;
All Division 1 & U19′s finals will be held at Springvale Reserve (Newcomen Rd, Springvale).
All Division 2 & Thirds finals will be held at Jack Barker Oval (Weatherall Rd, Cheltenham).
All Division 3 finals will be held at Heatherton Recreation Reserve (Ross St, Heatherton).
DIVISION 1- Semi Final 2 & 1
with Good Will Hunter
Semi Final 2 – Saturday 6th September; Springvale Reserve
Dingley V East Brighton
This clash between two SFL heavyweights will see the winner become the first team through to the big dance. And with both sides entering this Semi Final in top form, this will be a cracking game of footy.
East Brighton was super impressive last Saturday in their dismantling of St Pauls, but the all-conquering Dingoes will be refreshed and recharged after their week off, which will likely give them a slight edge here.
Both sides have match-winners on every line and especially through the midfield with blokes like Jackson Peet and Luke Walmsley for the Dingoes and East Brighton’s Dean Williamson and Will Heatherington providing both grunt and polish. This should make for a brilliant contest and whichever side can get on top in the middle early will go a long way to winning the game.
However the Dingoes boast a vast array of goal scoring options including spearhead Dean Francis, and despite the good form of Liam Bowman and co, they will prove too much for the Vampires’ backs to handle.
Dingley by 19 points.
Semi Final 1 – Sunday 7th September; Springvale Reserve
St Pauls V Chelsea Heights
It’s do or die for both sides in this cut-throat Semi Final with the loser to have the curtains drawn on their 2014 campaign.
After thirteen consecutive wins leading into the finals series it was clearly a disappointing performance from St Pauls last week. But you wouldn’t think that they would be as complacent this week and from that perspective, last week was perhaps the loss they had to have as they challenge for the flag.
Conversely the young Heighters will be cock-a-hoop after their stunning win, which will be a hard act to follow. The burning question here will be whether they spent all their petrol tickets avoiding elimination last week or do they still have some gas left in the tank to cause an upset? If they can play all four quarters like they did the last against Cheltenham, they are certainly a chance.
But after their season so far, it would be almost unfathomable to see St Pauls going out in straight sets. Expect guns like Andy Gilbert and Peter Mercoulia to lift and get the Doggies home.
St Pauls by 26 points.
DIVISION 2 – Semi Final 2 & 1
with Jason Barbin
Semi-Final 2 - Saturday 6th September; Jack Barker Oval
Mordialloc vs Skye
Previous Meetings:
Round 8 Mordialloc 4.6.30 defeated Skye 2.6.18
Round 17 Mordialloc 8.10.54 defeated Skye 2.12.24
These giants go head to head for the third time this season. But this time around the stakes are much higher with the winning team going straight into the grand final. Mordialloc will go into this match deserved favourites having defeated Skye in their previous meetings this season. With a dominating forward combination of James Morris and James Pennycuick and a more than formidable backline, the Bloods are more than capable of dominating at both ends of the ground.
With a talented veteran midfield that compliments the spine with run and carry, Mordialloc have proved to be a tough matchup all season and won't make it easy for Skye.
But the Bombers are not without a chance in this game. They have their own power forward in Luke Mcguinness who has kicked 65 goals this season and after being well held last week, will be eager to prove himself on the big stage. Their backline has proven to be the best in Divison 2 and with veteran leaders Jim Martinson and Matt Doyle, they have the weapons to match it with Mordialloc and maybe even steal a victory. But they need their best players to fire or the Bloods will get on top early and never look back.
A tough matchup that will be hard fought right from the word go, the Bloods have a slight edge and should be victorious.
Mordialloc by 8 points
Semi-Final 1 - Sunday 7th September; Jack Barker Oval
This game should be one of the most exciting match of the 2014 season. Caulfield and Hampton do battle once again for a spot in the preliminary final and for both these sides, a preliminary final would more than exceed pre-season expectations. Both sides missed out on finals last season and have surprised many with their respective surge up the ladder. Both sides boast talented key forwards in Adam Connell and Chris Worner who have taken over the forward half at various times throughout the season.
The strength for the Bears line-up lies within their ability to move the ball quickly through the middle of the ground. With the likes of Joel Butler running through the middle, their midfield core can be hard to stop and when they break the lines they have the ability to put up a big score. With stalwart defender Adam Ballard controlling the backline, the Bears defence is capable of restricting opponents and will prove more than tough for the Hampton forward line.
The same can be said for the Hammers. Their key strength is through the midfield and Justin Isaac is the one that needs to be watched. The ex Clayton premiership player is one of the best midfielders in the competition and has the ability to win a game off his own boot. Young gun Josh Burbidge has impressed this season and is now an important cog in the Hampton midfield. Down back Aaron Shedlock with be looked upon to provide rebounding run and carry from defence and look to set up the forwards and create easy scores.
Another tough matchup with both sides capable of winning this one. Though Caulfield have the edge on their opponents this season, finals footy is a completely different ball game and I think the Hammers may cause an upset.
Hampton by 11 points
DIVISION 3-Preliminary Final
with Andrew Paloczi
Preliminary final – Saturday 6th September , Heatherton Recreation Reserve
Mount Waverley v Lyndale
Previous Meetings:
Round 9 Waverley 12.7.79 defeated Lyndale 5.7.37
Round 18 Mount Waverley 18.15.123 defeated Lyndale 8.14.62
Lyndale will enter the preliminary final against Mount Waverley with confidence, but will need to be at its best to challenge the Mountain Lions.
Mount Waverley has achieved too much this season to slip out of the finals in straight sets, and despite Lyndale’s strong finals form to date, they are likely to set up a deciding bout with CPL in the big one.
