THE GAME BREAKERS
CAIRNS POST HOCKEY WRITER ROWAN SPARKES PICKS THE PLAYERS TO BUST OPEN TONIGHT’S A-GRADE DECIDER
SAINTS
CAMERON ANDERSON
Will look to steady the ship at the back alongside HC Melbourne Hockey One player Simon Borger. He is one of the best tacklers in the game and can relieve defensive pressure with his pinpoint aerial game.
ADAM CATALANO
The experienced and versatile campaigner will be invaluable in guiding his younger teammates in the last game of the season. His decision-making will be key for Saints if they are to get the upper hand early on.
DANIEL PITTENDREIGH
He is very sharp in front of goal and shows great aggression and hunger for the ball. He has looked the most likely in the circle for the Sky Blues this season, with five goals in nine games, and will surely be a key player up front in the decider.
BRODIE QUIRK
Can create space for his teammates and will look to continue the goalscoring form he found in Saints’ 4-0 win over Souths in the last rounds of the season. Doesn’t have the experience of some of his teammates, but can certainly have an impact.
SOUTHS GLEN GERAGHTY
One of the most influential players in the competition and extremely dangerous up front, Geraghty took just three minutes to have an impact in last week’s semifinal. It’s not a matter of if he will stamp his authority on the game, but when and how.
DEAN BUTLER
The former Kookaburra, who helped Australia claim its first men’s hockey gold at the 2004 Olympics, has been nursing a calf injury but that won’t stop him from taking the pitch in the big dance. His hockey brain provides a massive advantage in the heat of battle.
LIAM WHIPP
The young skipper is a seasoned A-Grader at the age of 19, but this will be his first time leading the side into the grand final. His composure will be critical at the back to keep the defence in order, while his control and passing game will be needed to get his side out of trouble.
JOSH FOWLER
The Australian Country under-21s representative has returned from Melbourne to Cairns this season. His level head and directing of play will be key in creating attacking opportunities.