New-look Saints poised for big finals campaign
AUSSIE RULES: A resurgence from the South Burnett Saints has both their men’s and women’s sides poised for a bumper weekend in Kingaroy.
The men took out fourth on the ladder, a vast improvement from winning just three of their 16 games in 2019.
It was three more than the women, who improved from a winless last season to securing a home final this time around.
The next task is to keep the season alive, and men’s coach Andrew Foley is hoping a final round encounter in Dalby will have them prepared for their task against the Swans this weekend.
“It will give a bit more understanding for both teams on how their opponents play and where their strengths are,” Foley said.
“It’s good for us to get that win, but we have another game now. What happened last week has no bearing on this result.”
It’s a methodology that has been centre of focus at the Saints this season, focusing on the strengths of the side and using that to their advantage.
“What we take out of our previous games is the strengths,” he said.
“We take a strength-based approach to things. We put an emphasis on them and try to continually do better at those things.
“The way we’re moving the ball and the way everyone is playing their role has been great.
“We’re really happy with where the squad is at. Those that miss out on selection are always there to support their mates.
“I’m confident that we are heading in the right direction. The pace of finals will increase significantly, and we know we have to keep getting better.”
Whoever can advance from South Burnett and Dalby will face the tough task of heading to Goondiwindi to take on the minor premiers for a spot in the grand final.
The weekend’s other elimination final comes in the form of Coolaroo and Warwick, with the victor advancing for a clash with South Toowoomba. SELECTION HEADACHES CONFRONT WOMEN
South Burnett women’s coach Sandy Banks said she has been presented with a coach’s biggest dilemma ahead of the Saints’ elimination final against Goondiwindi.
“It’s actually going to be tough to pick the team,” she said.
“Many girls have played all season and they’re all qualified. It’s going to be hard.
“They understand and know that we have to do it, and whether they’re picked or not, they’ll help out the team.
“The girls have put in so much effort over the season, and you can get that disappointment.”
Despite the selection headache, Banks is confident that whatever side runs out onto Lyle Vidler Oval, they’ll give the Hawkettes a strong showing.
“Goondiwindi has been a tough side. They were thrown together at the start of the season, but they’ve really gelled together as the season has gone on,” she said.
“We beat them in the first round at home, then they beat us twice, so it will be interesting to see what they bring to us.
“We’ve got a strong midfield and can always manage to clear it out and get it to the forward line.
“Our backs have done really well, and have stood up to some tough competition.”
The winner of South Burnett and Goondiwindi will face the loser of Toowoomba vs South Toowoomba, with the winner of the qualifying final advancing to the grand final. FIXTURES
ALLIED PICKFORDS CUP: Coolaroo vs Warwick at Rockville Oval, South Burnett vs Dalby at Lyle Vidler Oval. Games at 2.30pm today.
SENIOR WOMEN: Toowoomba vs South Toowoomba at Rockville Oval, South Burnett vs Goondiwindi at Lyle Vidler Oval. Games at 12.50pm today.