RORY’S FINALS SAY ...

QUALIFYING FINAL Barwon Heads v Torquay

I think this will be the grand final preview and out at Portarlington, I think Barwon Heads might be a bit quick for Torquay. The Seagulls like to chip and use the whole ground and if they can get their running game going and outspread the Tigers, that will really test Torquay’s defence. Torquay likes to defend on a really small space and then get the ball on the outside, but I’d expect Barwon Heads to spread the Tigers’ defence and make them defend the whole ground.

ELIMINATION FINAL Modewarre v Anglesea

I think the big ground is going to suit Modewarre at Portarlington. Anglesea really goes in as underdogs for mine, even though they were seven points away from finishing on top of the ladder. They can’t afford to be Erskine focused, they’d be better off throwing Carson and Blake Grant forward too so they can get goals from other sources.

FINALS SYNOPSIS

If the results go as I expect, Geelong Amateur will play Barwon Heads in week two of finals and Torquay will face Modewarre. I think Barwon Heads, who knocked off Ammos by 41 points last week, will repeat the dose and earn a week off into the grand final. If Modewarre is fully fit, they’d be a chance to get Torquay and then beat Ammos too, but I think the Tigers are en route to the grand final. Should they win there, they’ll play Ammos at home on Macartney Oval in a preliminary final and I’d be backing the Tigers to knock Ammos out in straight sets. The Tigers are a four-goal better side at home, so I’ll be tipping Torquay to win the flag. Ironically, the Tigers beat the Seagulls by 24 points at home in Round 9 and lost to the Seagulls by 26 points away in Round 2. It’s a clear advantage for them if they get through to prelim week.