Well a great first week of finals has left 4 teams in the comp, and after this it will be down to the final three. The pointy end of the season has resulted in some great games of footy in the first week, and I expect the games this week to be close in the last quarter also. Added to this week’s games is the chance of storms coming in during the day. Both games will be played on smaller ovals, and I expect both to be physical encounters. Onto this week’s games
Second Semi Final - Ballajura v Ellenbrook. Definitely match of the round and two worthy opponents for the chance to walk straight into the GF. Both teams are 1 win and 1 lose each against each other - on an interesting note the home side has lost both games so far this year.......
This game will be on from the first bounce. Ballajura will be rested up the risk being will they be complacent after winning in round 18 by 26 goals. They will like their chances at home with a crowd behind them to march straight into the GF. They structure up well and move the ball with pace and skill when they are on. Ellenbrook on the other hand are up and about and probably played one of their better games for the season last week. They were physical on their opponents and their attack on the ball was first class. Mentally they were strong enough to stick to their game plan, and they were able to get a good win in week 1. I reckon early on they will be able to expose Ballajura as finals footy is a different intensity to round 18. Can they get far enough in front early and defend when the storms come???? It’s a flip of the coin and I’ll take Balla at home by less than a goal, but I would not be surprised to see Ellenbrook as first side into GF.
In the reserves its Swan Valley v Ballajura. Swan Valley has won both games by a combined margin of about 15 points. Again Valley will be nice and rested from having the week off, again the question will be asked will their easy game in round 18 cause them to start slowly or will they be up and about. Ballajura were intense from the first bounce last week - how's the tooth Whitey????? - And they will want to start the day strong in front of their how crowd. Again I’ll take the top side Swan Valley, but if Ballajura are as intense at the contest as they were last week then an upset is a chance here.
First Semi Final - Piara Waters’ v Swan View. The history books show 1 win apiece for the year, and both times these sides have played the game has been in the balance right upto the end. This will be no different and the team that plays to their game plan for the full 100 minutes will play next week, the team that doesn't will have a mad Monday, and a hangover at the vote count Monday night. Piara will be hoping to bounce back and get a win on the board, they have been in the top few all year and will be keen to win a final to show that the move up a grade was successful. Swan View had a big win last week, and as I have said before they play a grinding style of footy that is very physical, and contested at all times. Questions here, can Piara stand upto the pressure and win a final or will they bounce out in straight sets? Willa Swan View play as well as last week, or will the big win make them light on for intensity - interested to hear what MADDOG has to say about last week’s game v DM. As I have done all year I will continue to back our boys and say Piara in a tight contest
Reserves sees Ellenbrook v SNESA. Ellenbrook have won both games this year by a few goals and they will start favourites here. Ellenbrook played a cracker against Ballajura last week, and they will be keen to atone for the result and keep their season alive. SNESA got up in a close one last week, and they will be hoping for some luck to keep their season alive for another week or two. The challenge for Ellenbrook will be the fact that they have league playing the best part of 42 KM away and their resources will be stretched. Having said that I expect Ellenbrook to win here by about 3 goals.
Good luck to everyone this weekend, remember win or lose your on the booze. Also good luck to those that have been invited to the association windup Monday night, I hope it’s a close vote count, I’d be keen to hear others tips. I think the forward for Ballajura that kicked about 100 goals will be my tip (not sure of his name but he is a good forward that kicks straight)
