SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
PREVIEW – FINALS WEEK 1
BERWICK (2nd) v CRANBOURNE (3rd) – QUALIFYING FINAL
Saturday 25 August, Holm Park Reserve, 2.00pm
THE RECENT HISTORY:
Round 10, 2018 – Berwick 8.15 (63) defeated Cranbourne 2.5 (17)
Round 6, 2018 – Cranbourne 12.15 (87) defeated Berwick 7.13 (55)
Semi Final, 2017 – Berwick 9.7 (61) defeated Cranbourne 6.8 (44)
Round 11, 2017 – Berwick 12.16 (88) defeated Cranbourne 6.4 (40)
THE STATS THAT MATTER….
Cranbourne legend Marc Holt has been the dominant forward of the season, and looms as the key to the Eagles’ hopes of defeating Berwick. Holt averages 3.75 goals per game this season, and 4.2 when the Eagles win. The Wickers have been able to hold him to one goal in each of the two games they’ve played this season, which is a terrific achievement. If they can do that again, it’ll go a long way to winning.
Defensively, the Wickers are the most sound in the competition, and have conceded almost 200 points less than any other side this season, putting them on 2017 pace. But the Eagles managed to get a hold of them to score 87 points earlier this season, which is their second highest against of the season. If the Eagles can put the Wickers’ defence under the pump, anything can happen.
Berwick players to watch: Travis Tuck, Harrison Money, Tim Gunn, Ash Smith.
Cranbourne players to watch: Marc Holt, Shaun Marusic, Michael Wenn, Glenn Osborne.
WHAT THE COACHES SAY:
“We know it’s going to be massive game. They’re in really good nick, and we have to be at our best. We feel like if we can be at our best, we can certainly match it with them. We think if we can get it on our terms, it can be a pretty fast paced game.” – Cranbourne coach Steve O’Brien.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to once again play finals. It’s a long season and it takes a lot to get here, so we’re looking forward to it. We’re under no illusions that they’re a quality outfit, and we’ll need to be at our best to compete, and win. It’s a game where you have to win the contested footy, and get it out to your runners to give yourself an opportunity.” – Berwick coach Stewart Kemperman.
THE TIPSTERS
Pakenham president Darren Sidebottom:
“I think Cranbourne will win this one. I expect Holty to come out and turn it on, and Berwick have been a bit flat this year. On pure talent, Berwick have the better team, but I just think Cranbourne will win.”
SEFNL chairman Ryan Ford:
“Cranbourne have been playing well of late until an unexpected loss on Saturday against Beaconsfield while Berwick have had two impressive wins with a season high winning margin against Doveton in round 15 and a very comfortable win against ladder leaders Narre Warren in round 16. We know Cranbourne deliver a special effort each final series inspired by champion Marc Holt who somehow finds another level at this time of year. But for me, it’s the star studded and well coached Berwick side to win by 18 points.”
MORE:
Saturday will add yet another chapter to an intense rivalry, with both sides entering the finals series in solid form. The Wickers were brilliant against Narre Warren in the final round, and will take immense confidence from the result, while the Eagles have already defeated the reigning premiers this year, something that will fill O’Brien’s squad with belief that they can get the job done. Whichever team can take their chances, crack into the contest from the outset and control the speed of the game will win. Eagles speedster Ryan Jones is likely to miss again, which is a big blow for O’Brien’s side, and on what is expected to be a dry day, speed could be a real factor. This game looms as an epic, and it’s a genuine toss of the coin game.
BEACONSFIELD (4th) v OFFICER (5th) – ELIMINATION FINAL
Sunday 26 August, Edwin Flack Reserve from 2.00pm
THE RECENT HISTORY:
Round 10, 2018 – Beaconsfield 13.11 (89) defeated Officer 5.6 (36)
Round 5, 2018 – Beaconsfield 17.23 (125) defeated Officer 4.6 (30)
Round 15, 2017 – Beaconsfield 10.9 (69) defeated Officer 6.4 (40)
Round 9, 2017 – Beaconsfield 24.23 (167) defeated Officer 4.2 (26)
Beaconsfield players to watch: Scott Meyer, Riley Verbi, Taylor Joyce, Damien Johnston.
Officer players to watch: Sean Roach, James Waldon, Matthew Clarke, Will Hanson.
THE STATS THAT MATTER…
Officer has badly struggled against their fellow finalists in 2018, with an average losing margin of 78 points against the top four. The Kangaroos have yet to score more than nine goals in any single match against those sides, and were held goalless in a match against Berwick earlier this season. For the Kangaroos to have any chance of an upset, they simply must keep the game on level pegging for as long as possible.
For Beaconsfield, apart from a blemish against Narre Warren – who scored 100 points against them in Round 13 – their defence has been rock solid in the last half of the year. Since Round 8,Leigh McQuillen’s side has given up just 49.75 points per game, which would absolute thrill the coaching staff. With all the injuries they’ve had, their defence has been the most stable.
WHAT THE COACHES SAY:
“Last year our aim was to be competitive, this year we set ourselves the goal of playing finals. It’s another step forward in our progression and this weekend presents another opportunity to take a massive step forward with a win.” – Officer coach Doug Koop.
“We spoke at length about the mindset we went in with against Pakenham a month ago and Officer have proved this year that they’re a stronger outfit than the Lions. We will not be taking them lightly. It’s a final and everyone knows the game goes up a level, we will be preparing the team this week to raise the bar and be prepared for the heat that comes with finals footy.” – Beaconsfield coach Leigh McQuillen.
THE TIPSTERS:
Pakenham president Darren Sidebottom:
“Beaconsfield will certainly win this one comfortably. It’s great for Officer to be in the finals for the first time in 14 years, but I don’t think they’re up to it at the moment. I think they’ll be too strong from the outset, they’re a classy team.”
SEFNL chairman Ryan Ford:
“Beaconsfield are a class side with some key players returning from injury and are a threat to anyone on their day. This was on full display against Cranbourne in round 16 and although a pumped up Officer will offer a strong challenge its finals football now and Beaconsfield will win comfortably by 35 points.”
MORE:
It promises to be a fascinating battle at Berwick on Sunday, with both clubs feeling confident that they can get the job done and book themselves a semi-final spot. The Kangaroos’ last home and away match was a loss against Tooradin-Dalmore, while the Eagles are in top form after knocking off the highly fancied Cranbourne, so Leigh McQuillen’s side will undoubtedly start as heavy favourites based on recent form. Expect champion ruckman Scott Meyer to return from a fractured leg for the Eagles, making his encounter with improved ruck Sean Roach a must watch, while Sean Dwyer is likely. The weather looks clear at this stage, so it’ll be a battle of two fast, youthful squads looking to make an impact.
