Grand final spots on the line in TFL final clashes
THEY dominated the regular season but Willowburn women lace up their boots in a must-win clash this weekend.
The Magpies cruised to the TFL Premier Women’s minor premiership scoring 136 goals and conceding just 10 during their 18-0 season run.
Highfields clipped the Magpies wings last weekend though, and now Willowburn must beat Hawks to advance to the final.
It’s a similar scenario in the Premier Men’s division with St Albans impressing all season but losing 5-4 to Willowburn in the major semi-final.
Here’s our look at the key factors that could determine who survives this weekend’s matches to advance to the grand final. Weather the storm Willowburn averaged 7.5 goals per game on the way to claiming the TFL Premier Women’s minor premiership. Five players scored 13 or more goals each including Chantal Frohloff (30) and Courtney Morris (29).
The Magpies like to ramp up the pressure on their opponents by playing fast, attacking football.
Hawks must defend in numbers and weather any early – the first 20 minutes of this match could determine the end result.
Stick to style
The young Hawks outfit have plenty of run in their legs, but they’ve also proven they have the ability to play quality football.
Hawks’ possession-based game has troubled a few teams this season. with captain-coach Melony Baker leading the charge in the middle of the park.
If they want to win, Hawks must stick to the style of play that has won them games this season and not get drawn into playing the game at the pace Willowburn want to play it at.
Emotional stability
Finals football is all about passion, persistence and grit.
Unfortunately both Rockville and St Albans have let their emotions rule them negatively at times this year and in previous seasons.
Both teams like to play the game at pace and aren’t afraid to leave their feet to break up play with a big tackle.
The team that controls their emotions and establishes a good rhythm on the ball will have a clear advantage in this game.
GAME DAY
Willowburn vs Hawks, 9am. Rockville vs St Albans, 3pm. Both games will be played at Commonwealth Oval on Sunday.