Home ground plays into USQ’s hands
AUSSIE RULES: Qualifying finals don’t come much bigger than this afternoon.
Two-time defending premiers USQ are looking to book another grand final spot in their major semi final at home today, but they face an almighty task to overcome.
Goondiwindi’s run to secure a top-two finish has come off the back of 10straight victories, however if there has been one chink in their armour, it has been their form on the road.
Bullen said he was confident that his team had the artillery to exploit that advantage on their home turf.
“When you look at all their wins they have all been on their little ground, but when they come to town they don’t play them (bigger grounds) as well,” he said.
“Being at Baker St, we’ve lost one game there in three years, and that was by a point.
“They’re in good form, but I believe we’ve definitely got the personnel to cover them.
“Our plan is to run them around. It’s one of our biggest strengths to run and carry the ball.
“At Gundy you can shut that down on a smaller ground, but we can run and move the ball pretty quick.”
Despite the confidence to get the job done, Bullen said he is not downplaying the serious threat the Hawks possess.
“With David O’Toole being the leading goalkicker and quality players like Adam Scoble and Jeremy Leahy, they have to be respected,” he said.
“The last time we played was a fantastic game. Both sides played really well
“We were missing two of our gun midfielders and it was a game we should’ve won. They’ll be back this weekend and we won’t be far off our best side for the first time this season.
“It should be one of the games of the year.”
In a rematch of their round 16 clash, South Toowoomba will be looking to turn the tables on Warwick to keep their season alive.
The Redbacks needed a win to book their spot in the finals, and did the job accordingly, recording a fivegoal victory.