Quick look at finals
EVERYBODY is talking about the Peckers and the Demons.
Remember that song, a number one hit, "The whole town talking about the Jones Boys" and then another hit came along and knocked it off? Well those who don't give the Eagles a chance must have rocks in their head, like old Bluey also thought the Eagles were only a rough chance but are now gliding and looking for prey like a true Eagle.
They have gone from no chance to a very big chance.
The contenders
Mallee Park
We're all talking about the the Peckers' undisciplined play. Forget it, and old Bluey will tell you why.
The old story of football is "cop the niggles, the cheap shots and focus on the ball and winning the game".
And when the game is won beyond any doubt, legally square up with a good old fashioned tackle and let the player know how hard the ground can be, than look at your opponent and tell him to have a look at the scoreboard. That hurts more than any niggling or cheap shot.
The Peckers are ready, they are not now going for the late spoil with every intention of playing the ball at all times.
At times they have conceded the opposition will mark the ball and the Peckers will play the "hold 'em up game", preventing the quick play on, and will push hard to win the next contest and get the ball back.
Wayback
Looking certain to play in the grand final with their list and depth at one stage, the Demons are now being seriously questioned.
Their form over the last three games is not what it should be with narrow wins, but they were gutsy and honest against the bottom three clubs.
They kicked a goal in time on to beat Tasman; two late goals to beat Boston in time on; and a strong challenge by Marble Range is not a an ideal lead up to the finals.
There are a few good honest reasons for the above, and players with injuries or unavailable due to work commitments has been a major problem.
With no disrespect to the players that have stood in and done the job, they need Joe Cragg-Sapsford, Kane Williams and of course the scarlet pimpernel, captain Matt Goodwin, to play.
It is a necessity, for without these three players they could become the Berlin Wall and come tumbling down.
The match fitness of Cragg-Sapsford, Williams and Goodwin is a serious problem.
One can never doubt that these three gifted players will give everything they have when it is all on the line.
More so if they lose to the Peckers in the qualifying semi and have to play three hard games in two weeks to win the premiership.
Lincoln South
What gives the Eagles every chance of making the grand final is their last quarter efforts.
The biggest hurdle will be to stay in the game.
The Eagles' fitness and hunger for a good showing in the finals cannot be questioned. The only question is can they kick enough goals?, as their defence is as good as any club and they can also stand up in the rucks and the midfield.
They can be the surprise packet without surprising.
The mini series
Marble Range and Boston have been in a head to head contest all season to see who could grab fourth spot, as predicted.
Bostons are expected to beat Tasmans and the Rangers can't beat the Peckers, and that will see both clubs finish on four wins.
If Tasman did beat Boston and the Rangers lost it would mean Boston must win against the Rangers in the last minor round and the percentage factor could come into play.
The results this week could play a huge part, for if Boston lose and the Rangers stay in touch with the Peckers, it could see a cat's whisker's difference in the percentages.
The likely outcome is that the last minor round will be a head to head contest where the winner takes all and if this takes place there will be one of the biggest crowds to attend Poole Oval for many a year.
Grand Tasman Legends Award
This week's legend is the Peckers' Dustin Pickett.
Pickett has added to the side's talls and besides one great mark above the pack, he consistently took clean marks and his penetrating kick or quick hand ball to the runners turned back the Tigers and kept the Tigers back half under pressure.
He showed his versatility in the ruck contest with clever taps, and his team play and support to team-mates was a stand out. He is now a player that will ensure the Peckers' run and carry game can be launched not only in the back half but also in the midfield.
Well played Dustin, a Pecker that just keeps keeping pecking away, and enjoy your time out at the Grand Tasman.
Harry's Pizza Award
The Tigers' Jason Hughes is this weeks winner of Shannon's very tasty giant size pizza with an outstanding display up forward when he kicked five of the Tigers' nine goals against a very strong Peckers back half in their 13 point win over Mallee Park - without doubt a winning contribution
Tell me a Tiger who doesn't love a good feed, so pop in order the biggest and best pizza in town.
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