Goal-ace Cassidy sizes up undefeated Eagles

LINDISFARNE has put the acid on raging bull Michael Cassidy to upset SFL powerhouse New Norfolk in today’s second semi-final at Boyer.

Two Blues coach Daniel Willing said Cassidy, a former state, Devils and Lauderdale forward and the SFL’s leading goalkicker with 64 majors, had the talent and attitude to pluck the undefeated Eagles, despite having been easily defeated twice by New Norfolk this year.

“The pressure is on Michael Cassidy to perform,” Willing said. “He’s had an outstanding season but we really need him to stand up against these guys and lead the way playing some really strong footy.

“He played pretty well against them last time, playing a bit of a different role through the midfield that seems to work for us. I had a chat to him during the week and he has an understanding of what his role is and we really need him to stand up tomorrow.

“He’s an unbelievable leader and when he’s up and about the rest tend to follow.”

The Eagles have had their way with the Two Blues this season: a 55-point win at Anzac Park in Round 9 and a 42point win at Boyer in Round 18.

But Lindisfarne goes in at almost full strength and on the back of a 64-point smashing of dual reigning premier Claremont in the qualifying final.

Willing was under no illusion, though, of the huge task facing his side at 2pm today.

“They are an unbelievable contested ball team,” he said.

“They win the ball at the source really well, it is something we haven’t been great at against them.

“We understand we need to be better than that and last week we fought back really well against Claremont.

“They are also a great kicking team, they can cut you open really quickly if you don’t put pressure on them.”

One of the keys to the game is trying to stop or at least quell the influence of former Essendon ruckman Jason Laycock.

“Jason’s work around the stoppages and the centre bounces is first-class,” Willing said. “We have to have setups around that. We can’t really stop him doing what he does, he is going to continue doing that, it is more setting up around it.”

In the first semi-final, Claremont has the chance to keep its premiership defence alive against Cygnet at Abbotsfield Park at 2.45pm.