The Grand Final is only one week away, and these teams will be fighting for a spot to play in the big one as Ben Cavarra reports.
Preliminary 1; Sandringham Dragons vs Calder Cannons, Visy Park (Princes Park) 11am;
Sandringham should be fresh from a weekend’s break, after winning their first final against Gippsland by 44 points. They come up against Calder who came from 19 points down at three quarter time to beat Western Jets by 15 points.
During the home and away season these teams finished in the top 2, and this match can go either way, with a Grand Final berth on the line. Kenny Ong was best for the Dragons in their last match, while Fletcher Roberts had 29 hit-outs, and kicked 3 goals. Jack Sheahan kicked 3 goals for the Cannons on the weekend, while Brandyn Grenfell was their best player. This will be a very close encounter, whichever team wants it more will be victorious on the day.
Sandringham are aiming for their first Grand Final appearance since 1999, whilst the Cannons will be looking for their fourth Grand Final appearance in a row – having only missed two Grand Final appearances in the last 10 years.
Preliminary 2; Dandenong Stingrays vs Oakleigh Chargers, Visy Park (Princes Park) 1:45pm;
Dandenong Stingrays, like the Dragons, should be fresh from their break and looking to get a spot in the Grand Final, but it will not be easy, as they take on Oakleigh who have been in great form.
The Stingrays enjoyed the break, with Alex Benbow being named the Mirrish Medalist, and Graeme Yeats the TAC Cup Coach of the Year. They are on a high, after winning their last game by 3 points, Robert Hill was their best, while Darren Minchington kicked 2 goals.
The Chargers would be confident after a 68 point win over Gippsland; Damian Mascitti kicked 2 goals and was their best player, while Antony Forato dominated the ruck with 30 hit-outs.
This should be a tough match, with both teams looking to get a spot in the Grand Final.
Dandenong are aiming to make their fifth Grand Final, and attempting to have the chance to win their first ever Grand Final, whilst Oakleigh are attempting to make only their second Grand Final since 2006 – their premiership year.
Last Modified on 16/09/2011 11:30