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RDFNL 2018 Season discussion
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Itsmyshow
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2018 Buffalo Sports Under 19.5 Grand Final
Rupertswood - The dominant team of the under's competition since the re-introduction of the Sharks into the RDFNL are through to another big dance. Several familiar faces get the opportunity to extract revenge on last years Grand Final opponent. It's been another strong year from the Sharks, only dropping two games for the season and finishing the year in second spot on the ladder. Those two losses were to Riddell earlier in the season in a game that I was lucky enough to see and the second against the Magpies in the last round of the year in the match that decided top spot. This Sharks line-up certainly doesn't have the air of invincibility that previous squads have held, especially after last years Grand Final loss, but they have done what they needed to do over the first two finals. A strong 36 point win over the Magpies in the first week of finals set the tone and the Sharks followed that up with a comfortable 28 point win over Riddell to qualify for the Grand Final.
Wallan - The Magpies finished the regular season atop the RDFNL ladder after going undefeated throughout the season. A vital win against the Sharks in the last round affording them top spot. The Magpies come into this game with plenty of familiar faces from their premiership in 2017 and add to that the winner and runner up in the league best and fairest on Bowen Medal night. The Magpies didn't score as heavily as the Sharks over the course of the year, but were stronger defensively across the board than any of their opponents. The first week of finals didn't go to plan though, they were jumped in the opening quarter by the Sharks and never recovered, they will have to be awake in the early stages of the game this weekend. In the second final, the Magpies easily accounted for the Cats at Clarke Oval and followed that up with a strong showing against Riddell in the Preliminary Final to qualify for the Grand Final. The question will be how the Magpies can respond to that loss in the first week of finals, but they will no doubt have the confidence in their ability to take it up to the Sharks.
The Game: Well, I can only really base this on what I have seen over finals, so here goes. The Magpies left too much to too few in the first week of finals, they were comprehensively outplayed early and to change the tide of the game after half time, tried to step up the physicality in the contest. The biggest issue, it didn't work. The Sharks were more than up to the task and were able to get far too much easy ball on the outside of the contest, but were strong enough inside the contest to win the contested ball. This was the same story in the second semi against Riddell, the Sharks ability to win the contest and hit the outside was too much for their opponents to contain. This is a key area for the Magpies to work on from the first week of finals, they must close down the momentum of ball movement on the outside. Jacob Chahine had a big year inside forward 50 for the Sharks, but the concern is that Jake Sutton will also head down inside forward 50 this week to add another dimension for the Magpies to contain.
Jake Hall and Tom Knight had sensational seasons for the Magpies, just as they did throughout the finals series in 2017. But too much has been left to these two at times over this finals series, I'd like to see more from a couple of guys who lit up last years finals in Michael Tabacco and Joel Vella, they provide much of the outside run needed to match the Sharks. The big question mark rests on the fitness of Nathan Fowler who went down clutching his knee in the closing minutes of last weeks game and must be in serious doubt, Fowler's influence on the Magpies structure is vital.
Key Players:
Rupertswood:
Jacob Chahine - Chahine was solid in last years finals series without being dominant, this year is his opportunity to go to the next level.
Jake Sutton - Has improved every week in the seniors and become a very serious threat to any opposition. Massive chance to win a BOG medal.
Brock Landt - Seriously impressive ball winner, provides drive and x-factor.
Wallan:
Jake Hall - Was the best player in last years finals series, and would be in that bracket again this year.
Tom Knight - With the additional string to the Rupo forward 50 bow, will become vital across half back.
Bill Direen - Seriously underrated in this line up. Reads the ball well and is a strong user.
The Result:
This should be a fantastic way to kick off a day of great footy. Based on form, Rupo wins this, but the Magpies won't fear facing them after their clashes this year. Much of this game could depend on the fitness of Fowler and the output of Sutton. I'm looking forward to seeing two really strong young sides go head to head though.
Wallan by 8 points.
Rupertswood - The dominant team of the under's competition since the re-introduction of the Sharks into the RDFNL are through to another big dance. Several familiar faces get the opportunity to extract revenge on last years Grand Final opponent. It's been another strong year from the Sharks, only dropping two games for the season and finishing the year in second spot on the ladder. Those two losses were to Riddell earlier in the season in a game that I was lucky enough to see and the second against the Magpies in the last round of the year in the match that decided top spot. This Sharks line-up certainly doesn't have the air of invincibility that previous squads have held, especially after last years Grand Final loss, but they have done what they needed to do over the first two finals. A strong 36 point win over the Magpies in the first week of finals set the tone and the Sharks followed that up with a comfortable 28 point win over Riddell to qualify for the Grand Final.
Wallan - The Magpies finished the regular season atop the RDFNL ladder after going undefeated throughout the season. A vital win against the Sharks in the last round affording them top spot. The Magpies come into this game with plenty of familiar faces from their premiership in 2017 and add to that the winner and runner up in the league best and fairest on Bowen Medal night. The Magpies didn't score as heavily as the Sharks over the course of the year, but were stronger defensively across the board than any of their opponents. The first week of finals didn't go to plan though, they were jumped in the opening quarter by the Sharks and never recovered, they will have to be awake in the early stages of the game this weekend. In the second final, the Magpies easily accounted for the Cats at Clarke Oval and followed that up with a strong showing against Riddell in the Preliminary Final to qualify for the Grand Final. The question will be how the Magpies can respond to that loss in the first week of finals, but they will no doubt have the confidence in their ability to take it up to the Sharks.
The Game: Well, I can only really base this on what I have seen over finals, so here goes. The Magpies left too much to too few in the first week of finals, they were comprehensively outplayed early and to change the tide of the game after half time, tried to step up the physicality in the contest. The biggest issue, it didn't work. The Sharks were more than up to the task and were able to get far too much easy ball on the outside of the contest, but were strong enough inside the contest to win the contested ball. This was the same story in the second semi against Riddell, the Sharks ability to win the contest and hit the outside was too much for their opponents to contain. This is a key area for the Magpies to work on from the first week of finals, they must close down the momentum of ball movement on the outside. Jacob Chahine had a big year inside forward 50 for the Sharks, but the concern is that Jake Sutton will also head down inside forward 50 this week to add another dimension for the Magpies to contain.
Jake Hall and Tom Knight had sensational seasons for the Magpies, just as they did throughout the finals series in 2017. But too much has been left to these two at times over this finals series, I'd like to see more from a couple of guys who lit up last years finals in Michael Tabacco and Joel Vella, they provide much of the outside run needed to match the Sharks. The big question mark rests on the fitness of Nathan Fowler who went down clutching his knee in the closing minutes of last weeks game and must be in serious doubt, Fowler's influence on the Magpies structure is vital.
Key Players:
Rupertswood:
Jacob Chahine - Chahine was solid in last years finals series without being dominant, this year is his opportunity to go to the next level.
Jake Sutton - Has improved every week in the seniors and become a very serious threat to any opposition. Massive chance to win a BOG medal.
Brock Landt - Seriously impressive ball winner, provides drive and x-factor.
Wallan:
Jake Hall - Was the best player in last years finals series, and would be in that bracket again this year.
Tom Knight - With the additional string to the Rupo forward 50 bow, will become vital across half back.
Bill Direen - Seriously underrated in this line up. Reads the ball well and is a strong user.
The Result:
This should be a fantastic way to kick off a day of great footy. Based on form, Rupo wins this, but the Magpies won't fear facing them after their clashes this year. Much of this game could depend on the fitness of Fowler and the output of Sutton. I'm looking forward to seeing two really strong young sides go head to head though.
Wallan by 8 points.
Itsmyshow
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2018 Melton Toyota Reserves Grand Final
Wallan - The Magpies took advantage of the wide open spaces of Clarke Oval to qualify for the big one. Firstly, they were able to eliminate the Hawks, but didn't have it all their own way, eventually winning the game by 19 points. In the second semi, the Magpies got on the outside and spread the Burra, in the end, comprehensively. Similar to the Under 19.5 side, the Magpies were exceptional defensively over the course of the season and this shone in the second semi win. The strength of that win came in the number of contributors. Across the board, the Magpies had contributors in the game, across every line. They will be looking for a similar showing from their side this week. In 2017, the Magpies were comprehensively beaten on Grand Final day, in what was a surprise to many and the thing that stood out was that they hadn't planned for their opponents as they perhaps should have. That won't be the case this weekend as they look to capture that elusive premiership.
Diggers Rest - Take the controversy out of the game, the Burras were extremely disappointing in the second semi final, they didn't fire a shot, and for a side with so much finals experience, and experience in general, it has to bite. On paper, the Burra Reserves side is as formidable as it comes, in fact, I would like to drag most of them across to Rockbank to play senior footy. On field, that reputation might have influenced their performance. The Burra were clearly the best side all year in the Reserves competition. They dropped only one game for the season, against the Magpies away from home, but that has to be a concern, especially after the Burra easily accounted for the Magpies in their first game of the season. There is no doubt the Burra will be confident enough in their list to achieve the ultimate result, but they will need to respond to their performance in the first week of finals.
The Game:
First of all, the crap about qualification is done and dusted, the best two Reserves sides now face off for the Premiership, no excuses.
The Burra were the yardstick all year, but they now have their challenger. The biggest advantage that the Magpies had in that first week was their ability to make sure that they spread strong after a stoppage or a turnover, this was what the Burra found the most difficult to counteract. If the game becomes a stop start stoppage game, it suits the Burra as they will be tough to beat in one on one contests around the ground. The Burra seemed to be a little better balanced with Craig Thompson in the ruck last week as it allows Bret Caton to move forward and in tandem with Mick Kilty, they make a potent forward duo, especially with Joe Piccolo buzzing around their feet and the underrated Mitch Lawton who will usually get the third defender in this scenario. One of the keys to the game will be the performance of Jeff Heritage through the middle of the ground, he will just patrol the centre square and if he is allowed free ball through the middle, he uses it too well not to do damage going forward. Shaun Sims will enjoy that scenario as he knows that Heritage will hit him up across half forward and then the Burra forwards will be too strong in one on one contests. For the Magpies, Luke Zerella has been strong up forward and if the Magpies can get that outside ball moving, he will have a similar impact to that of Kilty at the other end. Dave Cornish is always dangerous inside forward 50 and could cause headaches, but much of the Magpies fortunes will rest on Josh Ruth and Brenton Handson across half back and the impact that Luke Bird and Liam Lucas in particular can have through the middle of the ground and half forward on Clarke Oval.
Key Players:
Wallan:
Josh Ruth - Was the general during the 2017 finals series and has remained that in 2018. If he can control the back half, the Magpies will be in the box seat.
Liam Lucas - Outside pace won the day in 2017 and Lucas was outplayed that day, but he would have learnt a lot from that and be ready to perform on the biggest day this year.
Luke Bird - Pretty sure I highlighted him for last years grand final and he didn't quite have the impact he would've liked. Hard at it and finishes well at the goal face, will be vital to the Magpies fortunes.
Diggers Rest:
Jeff Heritage - If he gets off the chain through the middle of the ground and is unaccounted for, he will tear this game to pieces with his foot skills. 2018 League Medal winner.
Shaun Sims - Has the ability to lead his team on the ground and get them to play with the momentum needed at the right stages of the game. There isn't many better one on one players to have played in this competition.
Rhys Hannan - Former league medallist who has been known to totally dominate a game by finding space, Clarke Oval provides plenty of that and he can help control the tempo for his team.
The Result:
The weather might play a role in this one, that's how close it could be. The game really could go either way. If it's played at a high tempo and on the outside, it will suit the Magpies. If it is played at a controlled tempo and set up for one on one contested football, it will suit the Burra. The big question will remain, will the Magpies learn from last year and respond in kind, or will the experience and smarts of a very strong Burra outfit come to the fore.
Diggers Rest by 14 points.
Wallan - The Magpies took advantage of the wide open spaces of Clarke Oval to qualify for the big one. Firstly, they were able to eliminate the Hawks, but didn't have it all their own way, eventually winning the game by 19 points. In the second semi, the Magpies got on the outside and spread the Burra, in the end, comprehensively. Similar to the Under 19.5 side, the Magpies were exceptional defensively over the course of the season and this shone in the second semi win. The strength of that win came in the number of contributors. Across the board, the Magpies had contributors in the game, across every line. They will be looking for a similar showing from their side this week. In 2017, the Magpies were comprehensively beaten on Grand Final day, in what was a surprise to many and the thing that stood out was that they hadn't planned for their opponents as they perhaps should have. That won't be the case this weekend as they look to capture that elusive premiership.
Diggers Rest - Take the controversy out of the game, the Burras were extremely disappointing in the second semi final, they didn't fire a shot, and for a side with so much finals experience, and experience in general, it has to bite. On paper, the Burra Reserves side is as formidable as it comes, in fact, I would like to drag most of them across to Rockbank to play senior footy. On field, that reputation might have influenced their performance. The Burra were clearly the best side all year in the Reserves competition. They dropped only one game for the season, against the Magpies away from home, but that has to be a concern, especially after the Burra easily accounted for the Magpies in their first game of the season. There is no doubt the Burra will be confident enough in their list to achieve the ultimate result, but they will need to respond to their performance in the first week of finals.
The Game:
First of all, the crap about qualification is done and dusted, the best two Reserves sides now face off for the Premiership, no excuses.
The Burra were the yardstick all year, but they now have their challenger. The biggest advantage that the Magpies had in that first week was their ability to make sure that they spread strong after a stoppage or a turnover, this was what the Burra found the most difficult to counteract. If the game becomes a stop start stoppage game, it suits the Burra as they will be tough to beat in one on one contests around the ground. The Burra seemed to be a little better balanced with Craig Thompson in the ruck last week as it allows Bret Caton to move forward and in tandem with Mick Kilty, they make a potent forward duo, especially with Joe Piccolo buzzing around their feet and the underrated Mitch Lawton who will usually get the third defender in this scenario. One of the keys to the game will be the performance of Jeff Heritage through the middle of the ground, he will just patrol the centre square and if he is allowed free ball through the middle, he uses it too well not to do damage going forward. Shaun Sims will enjoy that scenario as he knows that Heritage will hit him up across half forward and then the Burra forwards will be too strong in one on one contests. For the Magpies, Luke Zerella has been strong up forward and if the Magpies can get that outside ball moving, he will have a similar impact to that of Kilty at the other end. Dave Cornish is always dangerous inside forward 50 and could cause headaches, but much of the Magpies fortunes will rest on Josh Ruth and Brenton Handson across half back and the impact that Luke Bird and Liam Lucas in particular can have through the middle of the ground and half forward on Clarke Oval.
Key Players:
Wallan:
Josh Ruth - Was the general during the 2017 finals series and has remained that in 2018. If he can control the back half, the Magpies will be in the box seat.
Liam Lucas - Outside pace won the day in 2017 and Lucas was outplayed that day, but he would have learnt a lot from that and be ready to perform on the biggest day this year.
Luke Bird - Pretty sure I highlighted him for last years grand final and he didn't quite have the impact he would've liked. Hard at it and finishes well at the goal face, will be vital to the Magpies fortunes.
Diggers Rest:
Jeff Heritage - If he gets off the chain through the middle of the ground and is unaccounted for, he will tear this game to pieces with his foot skills. 2018 League Medal winner.
Shaun Sims - Has the ability to lead his team on the ground and get them to play with the momentum needed at the right stages of the game. There isn't many better one on one players to have played in this competition.
Rhys Hannan - Former league medallist who has been known to totally dominate a game by finding space, Clarke Oval provides plenty of that and he can help control the tempo for his team.
The Result:
The weather might play a role in this one, that's how close it could be. The game really could go either way. If it's played at a high tempo and on the outside, it will suit the Magpies. If it is played at a controlled tempo and set up for one on one contested football, it will suit the Burra. The big question will remain, will the Magpies learn from last year and respond in kind, or will the experience and smarts of a very strong Burra outfit come to the fore.
Diggers Rest by 14 points.
Itsmyshow
Moderator
- Moderator
- #1,407
2018 Ontime Delivery Solutions Senior Grand Final
The BIG ONE!!! Oh, it's Riddell vs Diggers again....
Just go back and check out any number of the reviews of the past few years...
Riddell - What a season this mob have had. After Round 3, they were 0-3 and considered a "level below" the top 3 or 4 sides. Well, that has been proven wrong in spades. Since half time of their Round 4 clash against Centrals, the Bombers have dominated all before them. Jamie Elliot has a great blend and balance of experience and youth, strength and pace and just all around talent. I spent a bit of time going through their season over the past week for the record and the only thing I could point out, was a less than dominant last quarter record, especially against other top six sides, but that could be accounted for in different ways, foot off the pedal, kicking against the wind, etc. Or could it? When we look at their two finals to date, they ran away from the Sharks in the final term, but were outscored by Diggers in the last term in the second semi final. Either way, the Bombers have been outstanding since half time of that Round 4 game and they come into this game as deserved favorites, and from feedback around the competition, the winners this year.
Diggers Rest - The Burras only dropped 4 games during the regular season, and finished third which allowed them to get the best run into finals. They completely outclassed the Redbacks in the first week on Clarke Oval and sent a warning shot over the bow of their finals rivals. In the second week, they found it really difficult to score, managing only one goal in the first half and three until three quarter time before kicking four in the final term to add some respectability. Then last week, put in a phenomenal effort against the Cats with a seven goal to one opening half setting up a nail biting win to qualify for the Grand Final. In the end it was tight, but the Burra put themselves in the best position to win that game and in the end thoroughly deserved it. The issue for the Burra this weekend will be the same issue that they have faced all finals series to date, they are sore, but they made it here and the adrenaline of a Grand Final can always take away that pain for 3 hours.
The Game:
The first half of the second semi final was a flat out slog fest, two goals to one before the Bombers slammed on five third quarter goals to set the game up. The Bombers have been great to watch over the finals series, they structure up really well behind the ball and their midfield pressure is exceptional, its this pressure that generally forces opposition sides out of their structure further up the ground and thus allowing the Bombers defenders, and in particular Tim Walsh, to peel off and cut off inside entries before they become dangerous. Their forward line is potent and has multiple weapons, with Haydn Ross, Dylan Tarczon and Ben Sonogan enjoying one on one contests inside their forward 50 and Jimmy Nolan there to do the physical work and the youngsters at the feet, like Harry Power, doing the clean up work. The little additional x-factor up there has been the form of Pete Robertson who adds another dimension with his ability to create space and hit the scoreboard. Paul Sahlberg and Scott Walsh have to be the premier midfield duo in the competition. Walsh in particular doesn't get the kudos he deserves IMO, I rate him as the best player I have seen in the competition in 2018.
Diggers Rest have an opportunity that many might not have seen them having, their ability to stay in the contest during this finals series has been excellent, they could have easily been blown away in that second semi final, but managed to stay intact for much of the contest. The challenge is in front of them though, they have a good balance and enjoyed the return of Stu Clarke and Cole Laurie last week to the line up. Up forward could be their biggest challenge as this season they haven't seemed to have had the stay at home forward like many of their opponents and prefer to share the load when it comes to scoring, Cam McCabe has been the closest to this role over the course of the year and will need to have an impact this week, the advantage the Burra do have is that they have several well known goal sources. Luke Smailes is a noted goal kicker and there is every chance that we could see a return of Brent Tuckey or potentially Mick Kilty from the Reserves if needed. Across the middle of the ground, Matt Medcraft has been an outstanding addition, whilst Cale Morton looked very dangerous last week. The back half is where the Burra will win or lose the contest. There will be a lot of pressure on Tom Gleeson, Pat Jackson and co to lock down the Bombers forwards.
Key Players:
Riddell:
Dylan Tarczon - His on-field leadership has been superb this season and loves the big moments, if the Bombers need a big moment, watch for Tarczon to deliver.
Scott Walsh - For mine, the best midfielder in the competition, classy with the ball in hand, exceptional at positioning around the ground and provides support for his teammates.
Ben Sonogan - Has been known to be the difference maker in games in recent years and could well be the difference maker again, great leap, excellent hands, just has to kick goals when he gets the chance.
Diggers Rest:
Matthew Medcraft - Excellent ball winner and user. Class player of the competition who can do some damage forward of centre.
Deven Costigan - Exciting half forward who has been an x-factor over the course of finals, will play an important role come this weekend.
Tom Taylor - Had a huge finals series so far. I believe may hold the key to the result of this game as he did with the Preliminary Final.
Key Match-Ups
Sean Egan vs Liam Read - Providing first option to the midfield could hold the key to the end result of the game.
Dylan Tarczon vs Patrick Jackson - Jackson has been very successful as the Burras stopper, and that role couldn't be more important than this week.
The Result:
Many have this down as a guaranteed win to the Bombers, I'm not convinced. This game could be as good as their epic from two years ago. Both sides midfield will go toe to toe until the final siren and it could just be a little x-factor that decides the game.
Diggers Rest by 4 points.
The BIG ONE!!! Oh, it's Riddell vs Diggers again....
Just go back and check out any number of the reviews of the past few years...
Riddell - What a season this mob have had. After Round 3, they were 0-3 and considered a "level below" the top 3 or 4 sides. Well, that has been proven wrong in spades. Since half time of their Round 4 clash against Centrals, the Bombers have dominated all before them. Jamie Elliot has a great blend and balance of experience and youth, strength and pace and just all around talent. I spent a bit of time going through their season over the past week for the record and the only thing I could point out, was a less than dominant last quarter record, especially against other top six sides, but that could be accounted for in different ways, foot off the pedal, kicking against the wind, etc. Or could it? When we look at their two finals to date, they ran away from the Sharks in the final term, but were outscored by Diggers in the last term in the second semi final. Either way, the Bombers have been outstanding since half time of that Round 4 game and they come into this game as deserved favorites, and from feedback around the competition, the winners this year.
Diggers Rest - The Burras only dropped 4 games during the regular season, and finished third which allowed them to get the best run into finals. They completely outclassed the Redbacks in the first week on Clarke Oval and sent a warning shot over the bow of their finals rivals. In the second week, they found it really difficult to score, managing only one goal in the first half and three until three quarter time before kicking four in the final term to add some respectability. Then last week, put in a phenomenal effort against the Cats with a seven goal to one opening half setting up a nail biting win to qualify for the Grand Final. In the end it was tight, but the Burra put themselves in the best position to win that game and in the end thoroughly deserved it. The issue for the Burra this weekend will be the same issue that they have faced all finals series to date, they are sore, but they made it here and the adrenaline of a Grand Final can always take away that pain for 3 hours.
The Game:
The first half of the second semi final was a flat out slog fest, two goals to one before the Bombers slammed on five third quarter goals to set the game up. The Bombers have been great to watch over the finals series, they structure up really well behind the ball and their midfield pressure is exceptional, its this pressure that generally forces opposition sides out of their structure further up the ground and thus allowing the Bombers defenders, and in particular Tim Walsh, to peel off and cut off inside entries before they become dangerous. Their forward line is potent and has multiple weapons, with Haydn Ross, Dylan Tarczon and Ben Sonogan enjoying one on one contests inside their forward 50 and Jimmy Nolan there to do the physical work and the youngsters at the feet, like Harry Power, doing the clean up work. The little additional x-factor up there has been the form of Pete Robertson who adds another dimension with his ability to create space and hit the scoreboard. Paul Sahlberg and Scott Walsh have to be the premier midfield duo in the competition. Walsh in particular doesn't get the kudos he deserves IMO, I rate him as the best player I have seen in the competition in 2018.
Diggers Rest have an opportunity that many might not have seen them having, their ability to stay in the contest during this finals series has been excellent, they could have easily been blown away in that second semi final, but managed to stay intact for much of the contest. The challenge is in front of them though, they have a good balance and enjoyed the return of Stu Clarke and Cole Laurie last week to the line up. Up forward could be their biggest challenge as this season they haven't seemed to have had the stay at home forward like many of their opponents and prefer to share the load when it comes to scoring, Cam McCabe has been the closest to this role over the course of the year and will need to have an impact this week, the advantage the Burra do have is that they have several well known goal sources. Luke Smailes is a noted goal kicker and there is every chance that we could see a return of Brent Tuckey or potentially Mick Kilty from the Reserves if needed. Across the middle of the ground, Matt Medcraft has been an outstanding addition, whilst Cale Morton looked very dangerous last week. The back half is where the Burra will win or lose the contest. There will be a lot of pressure on Tom Gleeson, Pat Jackson and co to lock down the Bombers forwards.
Key Players:
Riddell:
Dylan Tarczon - His on-field leadership has been superb this season and loves the big moments, if the Bombers need a big moment, watch for Tarczon to deliver.
Scott Walsh - For mine, the best midfielder in the competition, classy with the ball in hand, exceptional at positioning around the ground and provides support for his teammates.
Ben Sonogan - Has been known to be the difference maker in games in recent years and could well be the difference maker again, great leap, excellent hands, just has to kick goals when he gets the chance.
Diggers Rest:
Matthew Medcraft - Excellent ball winner and user. Class player of the competition who can do some damage forward of centre.
Deven Costigan - Exciting half forward who has been an x-factor over the course of finals, will play an important role come this weekend.
Tom Taylor - Had a huge finals series so far. I believe may hold the key to the result of this game as he did with the Preliminary Final.
Key Match-Ups
Sean Egan vs Liam Read - Providing first option to the midfield could hold the key to the end result of the game.
Dylan Tarczon vs Patrick Jackson - Jackson has been very successful as the Burras stopper, and that role couldn't be more important than this week.
The Result:
Many have this down as a guaranteed win to the Bombers, I'm not convinced. This game could be as good as their epic from two years ago. Both sides midfield will go toe to toe until the final siren and it could just be a little x-factor that decides the game.
Diggers Rest by 4 points.
Diggers / Wallan / ruppo2018 Ontime Delivery Solutions Senior Grand Final
The BIG ONE!!! Oh, it's Riddell vs Diggers again....
Just go back and check out any number of the reviews of the past few years...
Riddell - What a season this mob have had. After Round 3, they were 0-3 and considered a "level below" the top 3 or 4 sides. Well, that has been proven wrong in spades. Since half time of their Round 4 clash against Centrals, the Bombers have dominated all before them. Jamie Elliot has a great blend and balance of experience and youth, strength and pace and just all around talent. I spent a bit of time going through their season over the past week for the record and the only thing I could point out, was a less than dominant last quarter record, especially against other top six sides, but that could be accounted for in different ways, foot off the pedal, kicking against the wind, etc. Or could it? When we look at their two finals to date, they ran away from the Sharks in the final term, but were outscored by Diggers in the last term in the second semi final. Either way, the Bombers have been outstanding since half time of that Round 4 game and they come into this game as deserved favorites, and from feedback around the competition, the winners this year.
Diggers Rest - The Burras only dropped 4 games during the regular season, and finished third which allowed them to get the best run into finals. They completely outclassed the Redbacks in the first week on Clarke Oval and sent a warning shot over the bow of their finals rivals. In the second week, they found it really difficult to score, managing only one goal in the first half and three until three quarter time before kicking four in the final term to add some respectability. Then last week, put in a phenomenal effort against the Cats with a seven goal to one opening half setting up a nail biting win to qualify for the Grand Final. In the end it was tight, but the Burra put themselves in the best position to win that game and in the end thoroughly deserved it. The issue for the Burra this weekend will be the same issue that they have faced all finals series to date, they are sore, but they made it here and the adrenaline of a Grand Final can always take away that pain for 3 hours.
The Game:
The first half of the second semi final was a flat out slog fest, two goals to one before the Bombers slammed on five third quarter goals to set the game up. The Bombers have been great to watch over the finals series, they structure up really well behind the ball and their midfield pressure is exceptional, its this pressure that generally forces opposition sides out of their structure further up the ground and thus allowing the Bombers defenders, and in particular Tim Walsh, to peel off and cut off inside entries before they become dangerous. Their forward line is potent and has multiple weapons, with Haydn Ross, Dylan Tarczon and Ben Sonogan enjoying one on one contests inside their forward 50 and Jimmy Nolan there to do the physical work and the youngsters at the feet, like Harry Power, doing the clean up work. The little additional x-factor up there has been the form of Pete Robertson who adds another dimension with his ability to create space and hit the scoreboard. Paul Sahlberg and Scott Walsh have to be the premier midfield duo in the competition. Walsh in particular doesn't get the kudos he deserves IMO, I rate him as the best player I have seen in the competition in 2018.
Diggers Rest have an opportunity that many might not have seen them having, their ability to stay in the contest during this finals series has been excellent, they could have easily been blown away in that second semi final, but managed to stay intact for much of the contest. The challenge is in front of them though, they have a good balance and enjoyed the return of Stu Clarke and Cole Laurie last week to the line up. Up forward could be their biggest challenge as this season they haven't seemed to have had the stay at home forward like many of their opponents and prefer to share the load when it comes to scoring, Cam McCabe has been the closest to this role over the course of the year and will need to have an impact this week, the advantage the Burra do have is that they have several well known goal sources. Luke Smailes is a noted goal kicker and there is every chance that we could see a return of Brent Tuckey or potentially Mick Kilty from the Reserves if needed. Across the middle of the ground, Matt Medcraft has been an outstanding addition, whilst Cale Morton looked very dangerous last week. The back half is where the Burra will win or lose the contest. There will be a lot of pressure on Tom Gleeson, Pat Jackson and co to lock down the Bombers forwards.
Key Players:
Riddell:
Dylan Tarczon - His on-field leadership has been superb this season and loves the big moments, if the Bombers need a big moment, watch for Tarczon to deliver.
Scott Walsh - For mine, the best midfielder in the competition, classy with the ball in hand, exceptional at positioning around the ground and provides support for his teammates.
Ben Sonogan - Has been known to be the difference maker in games in recent years and could well be the difference maker again, great leap, excellent hands, just has to kick goals when he gets the chance.
Diggers Rest:
Matthew Medcraft - Excellent ball winner and user. Class player of the competition who can do some damage forward of centre.
Deven Costigan - Exciting half forward who has been an x-factor over the course of finals, will play an important role come this weekend.
Tom Taylor - Had a huge finals series so far. I believe may hold the key to the result of this game as he did with the Preliminary Final.
Key Match-Ups
Sean Egan vs Liam Read - Providing first option to the midfield could hold the key to the end result of the game.
Dylan Tarczon vs Patrick Jackson - Jackson has been very successful as the Burras stopper, and that role couldn't be more important than this week.
The Result:
Many have this down as a guaranteed win to the Bombers, I'm not convinced. This game could be as good as their epic from two years ago. Both sides midfield will go toe to toe until the final siren and it could just be a little x-factor that decides the game.
Diggers Rest by 4 points.
Humphrey BB
All Australian
Yeah agree Dave
Diggers.
Wallan
Rupo
Have a great day everybody, hard to believe the season is nearly over already.
footy24seven
Debutant
My tip, Rupo by 17 points
Orangearmy
Draftee
- Sep 15, 2018
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In the thirds?
About the only thing they’ve been relevant in since they entered this league
That’s an interesting profile name you have their...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
royboy2
Average Old Bastard
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Wallan, Wallan & Riddell for me too
Itsmyshow
Moderator
- Moderator
- #1,416
With a lot of negative stuff we’ve seen over the course of the year, toward individuals, clubs, administrations and the good lord above, I just hope that everyone can enjoy a fantastic day of local sport today and that the best teams win.
Good luck to everyone and tune into 100.7 Highlands FM for the best call team in footy
Good luck to everyone and tune into 100.7 Highlands FM for the best call team in footy
Didn’t you tip the bombers a few weeks ago Dave? I guess by tipping both you can’t be wrong #smart #likeit
Aucklander
The Ultimate Warrior
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- #1,418
Good luck to all teams. Go Wallan!!
So not allowed to change my tip sorry mate
Humphrey BB
All Australian
Geez if Diggers get up in the 1's uve had a mare with those tips, Rupo got the 19's n Diggers the twos. Have a great day and go Diggers in the seniors.
GenericFootyTag
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23-44 Diggers way probably about halfway through the 3rd
Skipper1966
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