Lock v Cougars, Lock

GIVEN the importance of this clash, it rightly deserves "match of the round" status for Great Flinders footy this week. Put simply, the winner of this game will play finals, and the loser will have the rest of the year to lick their wounds and reflect on what could have been for season 2009.

Last time they met

The Roos had a comfortable win in trying conditions to run out winners by 31 points. Dylan Kay played his best game for the season, and Damian Kelly controlled the half back line. For Cougars, captain Daniel Wedd and Seth Myers were named their side's best players.

This week's game

Cougars have struggled in recent weeks, with injury, illness and poor form hurting their side badly. At their best they are a talented side with coach Julian Doudle having a major impact on their rise on the ladder this season.

They have it all before them this week when they travel to Lock, and they will need to be at their absolute best to defeat the improving Roos.

Both sides have key targets with Glover for Lock, and Jed Siegert for Cougars providing their side with prominent forwards.

The likes of Seth Myers should enjoy the space of Lock oval, and he is one player that will need to be watched closely, as he is a class act around goals with a touch of magic.

If Cougars can get big performances out of Hazelgrove and Moroney, if they play up forward, and the midfield of Turnbull, Wedd and possibly Cunningham can provide them with enough opportunities, then they will be hard to beat.

The Roos were impressive last week, albeit against an undermanned Blues side, but the endeavour and attack on the footy was outstanding. Isaac Halman was brilliant in this game, and looks to have recovered from a nagging leg injury, and Allistair Pearce continued his rich grain of form.

Daniel Wedd will likely get the job on Gus Glover, who has been in solid goal kicking form in recent weeks, and the result of this contest may go a long way to deciding the outcome.

Luke Northcott was well held last week, but he is a talented player, as is Zac Tiller with both of these players dangerous across half forward.

If Lock can produce the same sort of intensity they did last week, coupled with the likely return of Matty Mellor, then they look good to win on their home ground and earn themselves a spot in the 2009 finals series.