Bulldogs hope to put Suns in the shade
DEFENDING premiers Thuringowa will be out to prove they’re still a title threat in tomorrow afternoon’s AFL Townsville elimination final against Northern Beaches at Tony Ireland Stadium.
The Bulldogs went unbeaten to win last year’s flag, which was their fifth in the past seven years, and they have a grand final streak stretching back to 2009.
But Thuringowa hasn’t enjoyed the same dominance this season, slipping to third on the ladder as Hermit Park and University have battled it out for top spot.
The Suns also have every reason to believe they can spring an upset in just their second finals campaign after beating the Bulldogs for the first time a fortnight ago. Both teams have had some patchy form heading into the finals, but they’ll need to be at their best tomorrow with no second chances for the loser.
Meanwhile, minor premiers Hermit Park will take on University at Tony Ireland Stadium this afternoon with a direct path to the grand final up for grabs.
The Tigers and Hawks have been trading blows all season and finished level on competition points, while their head- to- head battles are all- square at two wins apiece.
Hermit Park’s finals experience could prove the difference through as they chase a seventh consecutive grand final berth while the Hawks haven’t qualified for the decider since 2010.
The Tigers are also fresh off the bye last weekend so they’ll be raring to get back on the field.
Kick- off for both finals is at 3.30pm at Tony Ireland Stadium.