PRELIMINARY FINAL PREVIEW
This weekend sees a big weekend of football at the Berrambool Sports Complex in Merimbula!! All matches this weekend are mouth watering contests that could go down to the wire.
PRELIMINARY FINAL FIXTURE
SENIOR’S
Pambula v Tathra (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 2:30pm
WOMEN’S
Eden v Pambula (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 1:10pm
DEVELOPMENT
Narooma v Tathra (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 11:50am
Preliminary Final Preview
Senior’s– Pambula v Tathra
The second best attack will take on the leagues best defence when Pambula take on Tathra in Merimbula this weekend. The Panthers have had a great contribution from their back six in 2017 and will need to do so again this weekend with the Sea Eagles dangerous when going forward. In their last match versus Bermagui, Tathra were able to find a dangerous forward structure in Dean Gartside, Josh Wilkinson, Troy O’Loghlin and Louis Coulton and their ability to rotate players will cause troubles for Pambula. The Panthers will be looking to carry their fourth quarter momentum into this weekends clash. The Panthers chose to get the ball long at every opportunity in the second half last weekend and it appeared to work, it will be interesting if they look to that style of play this weekend or if they look to revert back to possession football down the corridor which wasn’t as successful for the club last weekend. The Panthers were pretty close to full strength last weekend while Tathra look set to get Adam Blacka and David Little back into their side this weekend which should help to sure up their inexperienced defensive unit.
Pambula Player to Watch: Mitch Cameron, Was the Panthers most dangerous forward last weekend playing at half forward. Kicked 3 and had a huge influence in the teams 4th quarter comeback, Cameron will be important in the build up to Pambula’s attacks this weekend.
Tathra Player to Watch: Dean Gartside, The Sea Eagles tried to nurse Gartside through their semi final. Had a couple of knocks to his shoulders, but stood up when it mattered most, kicking his side to the preliminary final. Prediction: Pambula by 12 Points.
Women’s– Eden v Pambula
The Whalers were blown away last weekend against a rampant Tathra side and this weekend poses as a danger game for the Whalers looking to regroup both mentally and physically. The Whalers come into this weekends match with some big question marks over key players. Leading goal kicker Kamilla Grubesic sustained a lower leg injury last weekend whilst midfielder Tammy Whitford and Kate Mitchell are both carrying calf injuries. The Panthers have a great opportunity this weekend to knock out the reigning premiers and it looks like league best and fairest Madi Whatman will be back for the occasion although Whatman’s influence will also be questionable with a knee injury.
Eden Player to Watch: Carra Sheldon, League r/up best and fairest, Sheldon will need to be at her best this weekend to get her side in the grand final.
Pambula Player to Watch: Annie Gilbert, One of the youngest Panthers, Gilbert has been a consistent performer for the Panther in season 2017. One of the future stars of the women’s competition. Prediction: Pambula by 10 Points.
Development– Narooma v Tathra
The Lions took it right up to the Panther last weekend, and it looks like Narooma can challenge for the premiership in 2017 although they will first need to get over the top of last years premiers, Tathra. After a slow start the Sea Eagles were able to get over the line against a determined Giants side. The Lions midfield of Russell Thompson and Chanse Donohue might be to much for Tathra to handle this weekend.
Narooma Player to Watch: Joel Lansky, Has played plenty of senior footy in past seasons and looks set to play a large role this weekend.
Tathra Player to Watch: Craig Matthews, Sea Eagle who is electric when he gets possession of the ball. Prediction: Narooma by 22 Points.
PRELIMINARY FINAL FIXTURE
UNDER 16’s
Pambula v BM Giants (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 10:30am
UNDER 13’s
Merimbula v Pambula (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 9:10am
UNDER 11’s
Merimbula v Bermagui (Berrambool Sports Complex, Merimbula) 8:00am
Preliminary Final Preview
Under 16’s– Pambula v Broulee/Moruya
The match of the round this weekend is in the under 16’s. The Panthers take on the Giants with plenty at stake for both sides. Both teams have beaten each other in 2017 and were only separated by percentage in the final table. The Giants come into the match off the back of a solid performance against Narooma where Buster Ware starred for the league most northern side. The Panthers defenders will have their hands full with Ware and Theodore Turner who has also been lively up forward for the Giants. Pambula were able to control their match against Merimbula at times last weekend and will be looking to do the same this weekend. The Panthers weren’t able to capitalise on their inside 50 opportunities last weekend and will need to do so this weekend utilising key forwards in Flynn Cook and Angus Tarpey. This match has the potential to be one of the matches of the season. League b&f Jedd Martyn has picked Pambula to win.
Pambula Player to Watch: Kendall Mylan, Played through the ruck last weekend, Mylan will need to give his midfielder first use of the ball this weekend and keep it away from the Giants dangerous midfielders.
Broulee/Moruya Player to Watch: Will Aiken, The leagues runner up best and fairest has been splendid for the Giants this season. Whilst a number of his teammates took a couple of games to get going, Aiken hit the ground running. Prediction: Broulee/Moruya by 5 Points.
Under 13’s– Merimbula v Pambula
The southern rivalry ignites this weekend with the Diggers on home soil against the Panthers. The Diggers were unable to get anything going last weekend against minor premiers Bermagui and will be looking to put in an inspired performance this weekend. On the other hand the Panthers had a convincing win against Narooma in their minor semi final and will be confident that they have greater firepower then the Diggers. League best & fairest William Seach will be keen to make an impact from the first bounce this weekend and Merimbula will need someone to play a role to curb his influence on the match. The Diggers are a well rounded side and if they are to win through to the grand final next weekend they will need contributions from the whole squad. This match has the ability to go either way based on who brings their A game Saturday.
Merimbula Player to Watch: Damon Kerr, Battled well last weekend in a tough loss for the side. The Diggers need a spark and Kerr can provide it for the club.
Pambula Player to Watch: William Seach, The league best and fairest has had one hell of a season. The midfielder knows how to find the ball and uses the ball well each time. Will be hard to stop in this weekends knockout situation. Prediction: Pambula by 9 Points.
Under 11’s– Merimbula v Bermagui
Merimbula were unable to overcome their Narooma hoodoo on the weekend that saw the Lions progress to the grand final convincing winners over the Diggers. Merimbula will want to play a lot better then they did on the weekend if they wish to beat Bermagui this weekend. Merimbula played a solid first quarter last weekend before Narooma capitalised on what looked a team not up for the occasion of a major semi final. The Breakers helped in knocking the Diggers out in straight sets last year and Merimbula wont want to emulate that form again in season 2017. The Breakers come off a scintillating fourth quarter against the Giants and will feel that they can match Merimbula. Coach Luke Moresi will be hoping his young side turns up in the first quarter this weekend instead of the fourth, as it appears that getting a jump on the Diggers is key in getting the ascendency and a good result. Walter Blewitt was a shining light for the Diggers on the weekend and Bermagui will need to find an answer to stop the live wire. The Breakers have key weapons as well in the form of Lachlan Moresi and Tyge Matters.
Merimbula Player to Watch: Beau Bennett, The leagues best and fairest is questionable this weekend and having him in the team is huge for the Diggers chances.
Bermagui Player to Watch: Clancy Ballard, Kicked 4 important goals for the club last time out, Ballard will need his goal kicking boots on this weekend. Prediction: Bermagui by 8 Points.
