Tigers at unbackable odds but Lions believe they can win qualifying final
IF there was betting on the FNQ Football women’s competition, Edge Hill would be “Black Caviar odds” to claim this year’s premiership.
The Tigers lost just one match in the regular season and finished well clear on top of the ladder.
But finals have been known to throw up strange results.
Just look at the CDRL, where Brothers lost just two matches before being knocked out in straight sets.
Edge Hill coach Angelo Caravella said his side could not afford to be complacent when they take on Leichhardt in tomorrow’s qualifying final at Edmonton.
“On the day anyone can be beaten. During finals, all teams will lift,” he said.
“I expect a nice, close contest. Leichhardt is a good footballing team with a couple of savvy players. They are one of my favourite match-ups.”
The Tigers should be at full strength for the clash against the Lions.
When they were missing a couple of players against Mareeba a fortnight ago, they lost 2-1.
“I don’t want to say it was a loss we had to have, but it was a timely reminder that you can be beaten if you don’t play well,” Caravella said.
Siobhan Macken and Rose Calvert will be key players for Edge Hill, along with star forward Josephine Whately.
Macken has scored 38 goals this season, while Whately has found the net 31 times.
Leichhardt’s top scorer Natalie Fichera collected 19 goals this year, ahead of Emma Fletcher with 18.
Lions coach Mareeta Nicolau said she was looking forward to the challenge of playing the league’s best side.
“We’ll give it a crack. They finished on top for a reason and deserve to be there, but we will be out to win,” she said.
The winner of Saturday’s match will advance to the grand final, while the loser will play the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between JCU and Mareeba.