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Saturday – Lancefield Reserve
2.30pm – Seniors – Riddell V Kangaroos
Last 5 – Riddell WWWWW Sunbury Kangaroos WLWWW
Leading goal kicker – Riddell Mick Allen 73 Sunbury Kangaroos Chris Meacham 64
Winner – Straight into Grand Final - Loser faces winner of Lancefield v Sunbury Kangaroos
Last time they met – Round 16 2010
Riddell 13.18.96 defeated Sunbury Kangaroos 4.1.25
Summary
This is the final that we’ve all been waiting for as we’re set to find out which will be the first team to
etch their name into the RDFL Grand Final. The Bombers have been the team to beat all season in
having only dropped one game back in round 8 in a result that was only determined in the last five
minutes. They have accounted for all challenges since quite effortlessly at times and perhaps its
round 16 win against the Kangaroos was one of its more impressive performances against a quality
opposition. Their effort s against the Tigers last week was solid when the pressure was on as they
overcame a quarter time deficit to wrestle back the lead and fought hard to maintain it. The Roos have
been fantastic all season, highlighted by a strong list of recruitments to the club that started with the
return of Dean Helmers as coach. Despite many big names joining the club, some have succumbed
to injury and have been unable to contribute to the success the club has had over the year in big
doses which has gone to show the character and courage of those in the team. They were brilliant
last week against the Redbacks after leading for all except four minutes from the game and without
the brilliance of Adam Fenton for most of the duration. They battled to third place but have been
pigeon holed to be one of the teams to beat all season.
Player to watch
Last week we saw the star in James Climas for the Bombers put on a really great performance and
the number 21’s return to the club from the Sunbury Lions in the BFL this season has been nothing
short of sensational. He is a tough midfielder and penetrates the forward line with lethal kicks while
managing to get the odd goal when it matters. He kicked the first goal of the game out of a pack
just to typify his class. Brenton Sutherland is a terrific asset to the Sunbury Kangaroos line up and
rightfully earned a Rising Star Nomination earlier in the year. He is praised for his efforts up forward
and around the ground as his big frame and confident marking abilities with arms at full stretch make
him a very hard man to beat.
Question Marks
The Bombers midfield struggled in the opening term when Lancefield’s Tom Waters was at his brilliant
best before injuring his ankle in the latter stages of that term. If the opposition ruckman with a solid
midfield at his feet can get the upper hand in the contest, could their backline stand up to the test?
Verdict
The Bombers move the ball quicker than any side in the competition while the Kangaroos like to keep
position and gradually work the ball forward as they did a lot last week with the regular switching of
play. Given the Bombers efficiency and ability to get goals more quickly, this will be a deciding factor
in the result and see them advance through to the Grand Final
Tune into 100.7 Highlands FM from 2pm for all the play by play coverage live from Lancefield
Riddell by 13 points
Sunday – Ian Cowie Reserve Rockbank
2.30pm – Seniors – Lancefield V Diggers Rest
Last 5 – Lancefield WWLLL Diggers Rest
Leading goal kicker – Lancefield Brian Ruffell 54 Diggers Rest Dan McCabe 38
Winner – Faces the loser of Riddell v Sunbury Kangaroos Loser – Eliminated
Last time they met – Round 18 2010
Diggers Rest 7.6.48 defeated Lancefield 4.9.33
Summary
Welcome to the replay of the 2009 second semi final where the Tigers pounced the Burra’s by just
one point and now,the reigning premier’s title defence is under threat after three successive loses to
teams inside the top six. Lancefield head into this clash lacking that little bit of confidence but if we
can learn anything from that opening term against the Bombers last week, when their midfield clicks,
so does their forward line and they can gets goals on the scoreboard very quickly. They rightfully
deserved second spot on the ladder having accounted for all challenges bar Riddell and their ability
to have versatility in their playing stock by switching players around to create a spark, is a rare talent
that few teams have. They were five or six minutes away from toppling the Bombers if they were good
enough.
The Burra have been as courage as any team in the competition this year. Their inspiring attitude
when they’re down on the scoreboard and ability to get back into any game is something that few
teams have had as consistently over the last few seasons. You can never write them off during any
stage of the game and it was that never say die attitude that got them over the line in the Elimination
Final over Macedon last week. It was said leading into the finals that the Redbacks would be the big
surprise packet, well guess again because the Burra hold that mantle well and more so now that the
Redbacks are out of the race.
Player to watch
Look out, John Baker is back in town for the Tigers. He had strong hands up forward when the
ball was sent down there at rapid pace. After dropping the first mark, the rest of them stuck and he
managed to kick two important goals to keep the momentum going for his team. A fired up Baker
means that the likes of Ruffell and Carroll will follow suit. Shane Marchewka isn’t getting any smaller
in the ruck for the Burra and his accuracy is just getting better in front of goals and around general
play. As we saw last week in the games involving these two, when the ruckman gets on top, the
results show and we saw that with Marchewka last week, especially in the second half.
Question Marks
Will Tom Waters get up for this one after injuring his ankle late in the first term last week? The
2010 Bown Medallist was at his brilliant leaping best but was restricted for the rest of the game and
concerns are that he may not get up. If he doesn’t, expect fabulous Phil Conway to take the reins in
the ruck and maybe the inclusion of Under 18s ruckman Rohan Barr.
Verdict
Winning form is good form but the Tigers have rarely been out of a contest all year despite a few
late season loses. They have the tools in the shed to win this one but must never doubt the Burra
at any stage of the game. The Burra’s played on this ground last week and have had a real grasp of
what to expect with the playing surface. We saw a real arm wrestle between these two in round 18
and we will be treated to another.
Lancefield by 8 points
Saturday – Lancefield Reserve
12.00pm – Reserves – Riddell V Sunbury Kangaroos
Last 5 – Riddell WWWWW Sunbury Kangaroos WLWWW
Leading goal kicker – Riddell Michael Gadsden 35 Sunbury Kangaroos Ben Hunting 23
Winner – Into the Grand Final – Loser will face winner of Macedon v Kilmore
Last time they met – Round 16 2010
Riddell 11.4.70 defeated Sunbury Kangaroos 6.4.40
Summary
The Bombers head into this one having finished the minor premiers and having a really good hard
solid win over the Cats last week. The depth in their line up puts the pressure on each player in the
team to perform to a high standard week in week out. Mick Gadsden is having an impact up forward
and his leadership is invaluable which has reflected in their results. The Roos were impressive to
watch last week with their great ball movement, switching of the play and maintaining possession
that has been a credit to their efforts all year. They have been one of the teams to beat all season
and are looking for yet another grand final berth. Their success in grand finals has been remarkable
after winning back to back flags in the middle of last decade with the Bombers on that hit list.
Player to watch
If you want a player that uses the ball well, works hard from first siren to last and gives full
commitment to his team and to every contest, Corey Jurczyluk is your player from Riddell. When
he is having an outstanding performance, the rest of the team lifts to that standard. The Sunbury
Kangaroos are well serviced by 2010 joint Scarborough Medallist Steven James in the ruck who
has relished his opportunities in the Reserves to be the backbone of their success. While Senior
appearances have been far and few between this year, he has definitely been noticed by the umpires
for his ability and will draw a lot of attention today.
Question Marks
Can the Roos hit the front early and keep the lead? The Bombers have had a great knack of getting
the early lead in a match and maintaining it for the duration of the game. If the Roos kick the opening
few goals, the game could take a different shape and have the game played on their terms.
Verdict
It is hard to doubt the Bombers in this big clash. They led at every change last week against the Cats
and worked harder in the last few minutes to secure a 21 point victory. They run well in numbers
and like their senior team, are very efficient with their disposal.
Sunday – Ian Cowie Reserve Rockbank
12.00pm – Reserves – Macedon V Kilmore
Last 5 – Macedon LWWWL Kilmore WLWWW
Leading goal kicker – Macedon Nick Scholes 28 Kilmore Simon Heather 57
Winner – Will go into the Preliminary Final – Loser is eliminated
Last time they met – Round 7 2010
Macedon 9.5.59 defeated Kilmore 7.14.56
Summary
It’s the all important battle between the Cats and the Bombers for a right to keep their finals hopes
alive and with the intensity that these two sides bring to every match, this is almost worthy of a grand
final hit out. The Cats will be desperate to keep their finals chances alive after setting the bar very
early in the season as a dominant force while eager to finish better than their third place last year.
The Blues have been very exciting to watch with their strong physical dominance over the ground and
crafty goal sneaks. Their win over Diggers Rest last week to send them spiralling out of the finals race
was as good of a win as they’ve had all year.
Player to watch
When Macedon’s Scott Knight puts his head over the ball, more often than not, he comes out of
the contest, tucks the ball under his arm through the middle of the ground and hits a team mate up
forward with a pin point accurate pass. He has played the last three weeks in the Reserves after
performing well at senior level and is a welcome addition to the team. The Blues, Marcus Davern has
been nothing short of fantastic right throughout the season. He has been as consistent as anyone in
the team and his passion to rise to a greater level when it comes to big games is unquestioned. He
will have a mark out performance today.
Question Marks
How much did the Diggers Rest game take out of Kilmore last week? They showed last week that
they cannot be written off after trailing by 20 points at half time. The Cats are difficult to surpass when
they have the lead and the Blues would need to gear up and produce their best yet again should that
happen today.
Verdict
The Cats appear to have a lot more winners around the ground and greater ball users in the midfield
but the Blues never let their guards down and manage to do what they can to keep themselves in
the contest. The Cats will get up here in a close encounter with skipper Kain Scarano having a big say
in the outcome.
Macedon by 6 points
Saturday – Lancefield Reserve
9.30am – Under 18 – Macedon V Riddell
Last 5 – Macedon LWWWW Riddell WWWWW
Leading goal kicker – Macedon Mark Strickland 33 Riddell Matt Vandenberg 56
Winner – Goes into the Grand Final – Loser faces winner of Kilmore v Woodend/Hesket
Last time they met – Round 15 2010
Riddell 6.7.43 defeated Macedon 5.7.37
Summary
The Cats continue to roll on with their brilliant form after a solid win against the fast finishing Kilmore
outfit last week. It has been that sort of dominance right throughout the year that has caused plenty
of headaches for all opposition teams that saw them drop just two games throughout the year and
finishing on top of the ladder. The Bombers finished the season in third place on the ladder and
their ability to keep up their momentum in periods throughout the match was prevalent when they
kicked 11 of the last 12 goals to close out the Elimination Final match against the Redbacks last
week. This shapes up to be a real tight contest between two of the best teams in the competition.
Player to watch
Whether it is across half back or moving across the wing and setting up goals across half forward,
Rory Henry in the number 10 guernsey is a very hard worker. He is capable of taking courageous
marks on the last line of defence or knocking the ball on to a running team mate to set up a goal. The
Bombers have had the very consistent Liam Rath in hot form right throughout the season which was
rewarded with two senior matches later in the year. He is exciting to watch through the midfield and
stands out with his good marking and hitting targets.
Question Marks
Will we see another fade out from the Cats like we did last week when the Blues came charging back
in the final term? When the Blues started to get the run on, it was the inaccurate kicking that saw
them kick 4.9 from 13 scoring shots with the eventual margin being at nine points. Outside that final
term, the Cats were awesome but they can ill afford to let that happen against the Bombers who are
likely to convert those scoring chances into goals.
Verdict
The Cats will advance through to the grand final here in one of many close contests on the card this
weekend against a mighty strong Bombers outfit that will be nipping at their heels every step of the
way. We will see a great exhibition of U18s level football.
Macedon by 15 points
Sunday – Ian Cowie Reserve Rockbank
9.30am – Under 18 – Kilmore V Woodend-Hesket
Last 5 – Kilmore WWWWL Woodend/Hesket WWLLW
Leading goal kicker – Kilmore Haydn Woolfe 41 Woodend/Hesket Matt Sawyer 27
Winner – Faces loser of Macedon v Riddell – Loser is Eliminated
Last time they met – Round 18 2010
Kilmore 6.18.54 defeated Woodend/Hesket 6.9.45
Summary
Welcome to the replay of the 2009 grand final where the Blues and the Hawks face off under
elimination circumstances where one will see their finals hopes disappear. The Blues head into this
game with a hard fought loss under their belt to Macedon last week and if it weren’t for a conversion
rate of 44% in the final term, they could have pulled off the unthinkable and overcome the 34 point
three quarter time deficit. Prior to this clash, they have been simply awesome right throughout the
year and have never let their heads down. The Hawks have been hovering around the top four of
the ladder for much of the year with a few narrow loses against lower ranked teams followed by
great showings against those above them. They head into this match on the back of an extraordinary
performance as they trailed Diggers Rest by 29 points at quarter time and led by 44 points at half time
on the way to a thumping 113 point win at full time. The Hawk’s coach, ‘EJ’ didn’t have any words to
describe the performance, he couldn’t believe it.
Player to watch
Brett Maher was simply fantastic for the Blues last week and it is thanks to his ball winning abilities
that his team were able to get back into the game against the Cats and put up a strong contest. He
features in the Blues best on a regular basis and will look to have a big performance here. The Hawks
have the engineering brilliance of Dan Toman in the middle that makes him near unstoppable when
the ball lands in his hands. He is one of the smartest ball users in the competition across all levels
and can turn something into nothing in an instant.
Question Marks
Could the Hawks repeat their performance after quarter time last week with 42 scoring shots in that
period? We’d heavily doubt it in a rare match performance against good opposition but it makes you
wonder just what damage they could inflict today with their super strong line up boasting many senior
stars. The Blues are too competitive around the ground to ever let that happen in a game, especially
one that is such as big as this one.
Verdict
These two last faced off in the last round of the season in a good close contest. The Hawks were at
full strength for the first time all year last week and the Blues are as good as they have been in terms
of form and confidence. This shapes to be an absolute classic and similar to that of the 2009 Grand
Final epic.
Woodend/Hesket by 18 points
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FDP 
