Hawks’ final tune-up

UNIVERSITY will be out to build some momentum for the AFL Townsville finals when they take on two-time defending premiers Hermit Park in the last round of the regular season today.

The top four is already locked in after the Tigers sewed up the minor premiership last weekend, with the Thuringowa Bulldogs (second), Curra Swans (third), and Hawks (fourth) also set for the finals.

The Hawks were the early pacesetters this season before a six-game slump and they haven’t been able to string together consecutive wins since Round 5.

The Tigers have won 10 of their past 11 games as they charge towards the finals looking to become the first team since University in 2003-05 to claim a ‘threepeat’.

It will also be a milestone occasion for Tigers co-captain Jason Di Betta as he plays his 150th game for the club.

In today’s other game, Thuringowa have the chance to put the finishing touches on their finals preparations against the Northern Beaches Suns, who are out of finals contention.

AFL Townsville, Round 18: Today: University Hawks v Hermit Park Tigers at JCU, 3pm; Thuringowa Bulldogs v Northern Beaches Suns at Riverway Stadium, 3pm