TOMORROW’S Golden Rivers Football League’s first semi-final will feature a clash between one of the competition’s most consistent sides and an opponent that could be regaining its competition leading form.
Season 2016 will end tomorrow for the loser of the game between Nullawil and Wandella, occurring at the Wakool Recreation Reserve.
The Maroons have spent the season locked inside the top four, whilst results went the Bombers’ way last weekend – six weeks after the side sat on top of the ladder.
It will be the eighth consecutive time Nullawil has competed in the finals, whilst tomorrow’s match is Wandella’s first final since its preliminary final loss to the Maroons in 2014.
Wandella won by 56 points when these sides met in round seven, with the Maroons prevailing by 38 points three weeks ago.
The Maroons will go into the match full strength, with coach, Scott Mathiske confirming midfielder Daniel Watts will return to the team after missing the past two matches.
“We’re finally at full strength, as we have been managing our injuries throughout the year,” he said.
The Bombers will also be strengthened, thanks to coach and key forward, Paul Grayling playing his second successive match after missing the round 15 loss to Macorna.
“We are getting back to having a reasonably full list, and last week’s win against Quambatook was one step forward in getting back to our best form,” Grayling said.
Grayling dominated for the Bombers in the round seven encounter, and the competition’s leading goalkicker will be the key player Mathiske’s men must stop.
Jarrod Kemp will be best suited to take on this role, with Brett Barker capable of going into the back line to assist.
If Grayling is well contained, it will be up to Greg Dickson and Clinton Cummins to provide assistance, giving Grant Ford and Kyle Doran key challenges.
“Wandella has a very strong forward line, but this year we have proven that that our best way to play is to run and carry the ball,” Mathiske said.
The midfield battle will be one of the highlights of the match, with Mathiske and Austin Hogan to battle with Daniel Baker and Justin Wilson, who did not play back in round 14.
The recent return of Reece Poyner will provide cover for Andrew Oberdorfer across the Maroons’ half-forward line, with Ryan Lancaster and Tim Robinson best suited to contain the pair.
However, if Kal Heslop – who has kicked 19 goals in his past three games – is allowed to dominate, the Maroons will be on the way to the final fortnight of the season for the seventh time in the past eight years.
“As I always preach to the side, it is up to all 21 players to step up, not just two or three,” Grayling said.
PREDICTION: Nullawil’s recent form will help the side prevail by 20 points.
