Hills Football League (Division 2) - Week 1 Finals preview

Qualifying Final (2.30pm Saturday 24 August @ Kersbrook Oval)

Reigning premier Ironbank Cherry Gardens will make the long trip out to Kersbrook Oval to begin their title defense against a much improved Gumeracha outfit in an intriguing Qualifying Final match-up in Hills Football League Division 2 action. The Thunderers have had another excellent season losing just two matches (both to Kersbrook) on their way to second position at the end of the minor round. After missing the finals in 2018, Gumeracha have hit back hard and finished the minor round well with three consecutive victories. The last time these two sides met it was a high scoring encounter at Ironbank with the home side prevailing by 24 points in a game that saw a whopping 34 goals kicked. The crowd will be hoping to see a similar game for the Qualifying Final on the wide open expanses of Kersbrook Oval. The Thunderers have plenty of forward options with five players kicking 20 or more goals this season and they are well led by Will Muirden. The Magpies have Brendon Moon up forward with 35 goals and he’s been well supported by dual mail medalist Ben Hanna who has kicked 28 goals this season and been named best player for the Magpies on six occasions. It should be a great game but finals experience should count for the reigning premier. My tip...Ironbank Cherry Gardens.

Elimination Final (2.30pm Sunday 25 August @ Meadows Oval)

Macclesfield will make their first finals appearance since 2015 when they head down the road to Meadows Oval to take on 2016 premiers Bridgewater-Callington in the knockout Elimination Final. Maccy had the bye last week to freshen up while the Raiders went down to Ironbank Cherry Gardens, costing them the double chance. Maccy playing coach Denis Iljcesen looms as the major threat for the Raiders with the key forward kicking 42 goals so far this season. He has been well supported by Daniel Noble with 35 majors. Isaac Lallard and Ben Flood will look to continue their excellent 2019 campaigns and push the Blood ‘n Tars into week two of the finals. Youngster Jamie Drew has had a good season for the Raiders with 37 goals and Jackson Hooper holds the key through the midfield and has been handy up forward kicking 23 goals as well. The teams shared the spoils in their two clashes this year with Macclesfield winning in round five by 35 points before Bridgewater-Callington hit back with a comprehensive 66-point victory in round 13. Finals experience could be a key for the Raiders so I think they’ll win a tight one. My tip...Bridgewater-Callington.