The Creekers come into this clash on the back of unfamiliar territory, having gone down by 25 points in their second semi-final clash with Eltham, which was only the side’s second loss in the 2023 campaign.
Andrew Tranquilli’s men produced a promising third term which saw them get back in the game, but two goalless quarters are something the side will need to avoid again if they’re to claim the ultimate success this season.
It would be fair to say that the defeat was an un-Diamond Creek like performance, judging by what we have seen from the side in 2023.
The 7.4 (46) total was their lowest score since Round 5, a game which produced their only other defeat of the year to date, while last Saturday Eltham became the first side to score 10 or more goals against the Creekers this season.
Diamond Creek are a side capable of turning around a mini-slump, an example last year saw them start the campaign 1-2, before they nine consecutive matches between Round 3 and Round 13.
If they are to get back to their best, it starts with their stars. Jacob Booth was lively in the side’s defeat last week and finished with two goals, while Tarwan Rennie was impressive in the middle, winning many clearances alongside Tyler Barnes.
Barnes has put together a terrific season both in midfield and up forward, kicking four majors and being named in his side’s best in each of his previous three matches.
Their opponents in St Mary’s made history last week, after securing the club’s first finals victory in MC Labour Division 2 following a 21-point victory over South Morang.
It was the perfect response for a Burra side who were comfortably defeated in the Qualifying Final, overcoming multiple challenges from the Lions to produce their highest score since Round 15.
The return of club leading goalkicker Jeremiah Antypas was crucial in the result, kicking a Burra high four goals in the win. Tane Cotter excelled also and finished with three majors in another outstanding display while Rory Hanlon was at his influential best in midfield.
One thing St Mary’s will aim to improve on ahead of this Saturday’s preliminary final is their scores against. While Fabian Carelli’s men were third highest scorers in the home and away campaign, they were sixth in the competition for least scores against; they’ve also conceded an average of 116 points a game in the previous three matches.
This is also highlighted by the lopsided affairs between the two sides in recent meetings, with Diamond Creek running out victors in their last five matches against St Mary’s by an average of 45 points.
But with an important win behind them, the Burra’s confidence will be sky high and they will be determined to buck the trend in one of the most important games in the club’s time in the NFNL.
While there will be many key match ups to cast our eyes over on Saturday, there will arguably be none more important than the ruck battle.
Nicholas Barro has been one of Diamond Creek’s most consistent players this year but was up against it last week when dealing with Eltham duo Thomas Goodwin and Finnbar Maley. However, when he starts to get on top early, he is a difficult player to stop.
Meanwhile Huon MacGibbon has been in brilliant form for St Mary’s, and with no Nathan Stefanile to face in the semi-final, he had a day out against South Morang and played a big role in the Burra’s win. He’s also been named as his side’s best player in both finals matches so far.
It’s going to make for a mouth-watering contest this weekend and one that could be the difference between a Grand Final berth and the end of the season.
