By Sam Saracino
ECHUCA V EUROA
The stakes are high in the second semi-final with the winner advancing to the big dance on September 25. Echuca booked its spot in today’s match with a convincing qualifying final win over Mansfield while Euroa did likewise in its elimination final victory over the reigning premier Kyabram.That said, the Pies won’t be shying away from the fact that they need do what they haven’t done this year – beat Echuca. In fact, the Murray Bombers have only lost the one home and away match this season and the Murray Bombers welcome back their captain Kane Morris who missed last week’s win due to suspension. His inclusion is massive as it allows young star Liam Tenace to play more as one of the team’s key forward targets. Defensively, the Murray Bombers are very strong, not giving up many big scores to their opposition and that has been the case in the two meetings with the Magpies. Pies coach Scott Rowan and his team will have a big task on their hands trying to reverse that trend. He knows they need to win the midfield to try and ensure the ball can live in their forward half. Andrew Walker and Simon Maddox will be looking to their team to do what they have done all season and that is playing their brand. They know that there brand stacks up really well. I think, Echuca finished top for a reason and while Euroa will be good value, I am leaning towards the minor premier to be the first team into the GVL grand-final.
Last time: R2 Echuca 13.15.93 d Euroa 7.8.50. R13 Echuca 16.6.102 d Euroa 5.10.40
Tip: Echuca
MANSFIELD V MOOROOPNA
There is no tomorrow for the loser while the winner will get a shot at the loser of the Echuca versus Euroa second semi-final.The Eagles would have set themselves to at the very least make the preliminary final once they qualified in second spot after the home and away season. While the Cats would have internally set themselves the goal of winning at least one final, but now that they have done that coach John Lamont would be telling the boys that the sky is the limit. He would be telling them to not be satisfied with winning a final. So, with that, the pressure will be on Mansfield, but coach Chad Owens would be confident his troops can turnaround the disappointment of their heavy loss in the qualifying final against Echuca. The Eagles have the knowledge that they have a really good record against teams in the top six this season, including doing the double over the Cats during the home and away season, but the Eagles will be wary of the Cats. Only a month ago, the Cats pushed them all the way, with the Eagles only sneaking past them with some late goals. The Cats are a really good team in the sense that they hang around like a bad spell, and, with two key forwards in Chris Nield and Jackson Trengove the Cats will certainly give themselves a chance of kicking a winning score and sending the Eagles packing in straight sets.But that said, the bigger bodies and more experienced heads of the Eagles should be enough for them to remain in the premiership race.
Last time: R16 Mansfield 12.10.82 d Mooroopna 10.8.68. R8 Mansfield 15.8.98 d Mooroopna 10.9.69
Tip: Mansfield
